Michael W. Smith Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! {{Short description|American musician (born 1957)}} {{Other people|Michael Smith}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox person | name = Michael W. Smith | image = Michael W. Smith by Gage Skidmore.jpg | alt = | caption = Smith in March 2019 | birth_name = Michael Whitaker Smith | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1957|10|7}} | birth_place = [[Kenova, West Virginia]], U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = {{marriage|Deborah Kay Davis|1981}} | children = 5 | occupation = {{hlist|Musician<!-- Occupation as given in the lead (see MOS:ROLEBIO) -->|actor| worship leader|pastor (formerly)}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | background = person | origin = [[Nashville, Tennessee]], U.S. | instrument = {{Hlist | Vocals | keyboard | piano | guitar}} | genre = {{hlist|[[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]]|[[Christian rock]]|[[pop music|pop]]|[[pop rock]]}} | years_active = 1983–present | label = {{hlist|[[Reunion Records|Reunion]]|[[Provident Label Group|Provident]]|[[Capitol Christian Music Group|Capitol]]<ref name=Capitol>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/2709311/michael-w-smith-christian-music-icon-leaving-provident-for-capitol|title=Michael W. Smith, Christian Music Icon, Leaving Provident For Capitol Christian|date=July 18, 2013|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref>|[[Rocketown Records|Rocketown]]}} | associated_acts = [[Amy Grant]], [[Kathy Troccoli]]<!-- 'associated_acts' is deprecated; consider using other infobox musical artist parameters. --> | website = {{URL|michaelwsmith.com}} }} }} '''Michael Whitaker Smith''' (born October 7, 1957) is an American musician who has charted in both [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] and mainstream charts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.compassion.com/press/archivednews/michaelwsmithhelpscompassion.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210002914/http://www.compassion.com/press/archivednews/michaelwsmithhelpscompassion.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2007|title=Michael W. Smith Helps Compassion Gain Nearly 4,000 Sponsorships|last=Strombitski|first=Mary Ann|author2=Matt Williams|date=January 31, 2003|publisher=Compassion International|access-date=August 15, 2009}}</ref> His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when "[[Place in This World]]" hit No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums.<ref name=News24>{{cite web|title=Smith in SA in May|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Express-News/Smith-in-SA-in-May-20150430-3|website=News24.com|access-date=May 1, 2015|date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> Smith is a three-time [[Grammy Award]] winner, an [[American Music Award]] recipient,<ref>"'Inspiring' Smith set for Spirit Jam", ''Corpus Christi Caller Times'',[http://www.caller.com/news/2008/aug/01/inspiring-smith-set-for-spirit-jam/] August 1, 2008.</ref> and has earned 45 [[Dove Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Lecrae, Lauren Daigle and Seth Mosely Win Big at Dove Awards|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6729458/lecrae-lauren-daigle-seth-mosely-dove-awards|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 14, 2015|date=October 14, 2015}}</ref> In 1999, [[ASCAP]] awarded him with the "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting,<ref name=goldennote>{{cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Barbara|title=Cooking with Smitty's Mom|date=1999|publisher=Thomas Nelson Publishers|isbn=978-0-7852-6918-2|page=46}}</ref> and in 2014 they honored him as the "cornerstone of Christian music" for his significant influence on the genre.<ref name="ASCAP Christian Music Awards">{{cite web|title=ASCAP Christian Music Awards|url=http://www.ascap.com/press/2014/0506-36th-anniversary-ascap-christian-music-awards|website=ascap.com|access-date=February 18, 2015|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> He also has recorded 31 No. 1 Hit songs, fourteen gold albums, and five platinum albums.<ref name=News24 /> He has also starred in two films and published 14 books including ''This Is Your Time'', which he worked with Christian author [[Gary Thomas (author)|Gary Thomas]] to write.<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Michael|title=This is your time|year=1999|url=http://www.michaelwsmith.net/biography.html#Anchor-Books}}</ref> == Early life == Michael Whitaker Smith was born to Paul and Barbara Smith in [[Kenova, West Virginia]]. His father was an oil refinery worker at the Ashland Oil Refinery, in nearby [[Catlettsburg, Kentucky]]. His mother was a caterer.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url= {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p2400/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Michael W. Smith: Biography |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 15, 2009 |author=Sandra Brennan}}</ref> He inherited his love of baseball from his father, who had played in the [[minor league baseball|minor leagues]]. As a child, he developed a love of music through his church. He learned piano at an early age and sang in his church choir. At the age of 10, he had "an intense spiritual experience" that led to his becoming a devout [[Christians|Christian]]. "I wore this big cross around my neck," he would recall, "It was very real to me."<ref name="long">{{cite journal|last=Long|first=Jim|title=Michael W. Smith Looks Back|journal=Christianity Today|date=March 1988|volume=46|issue=8|page=56}}</ref> He became involved in Bible study and found a group of older friends who shared his faith.<ref name="long" /> After his older Christian friends moved away to college, Smith began to struggle with feelings of loneliness and alienation. After graduating from high school, he gravitated toward alcohol and drugs.<ref name="Allmusic"/> He attended [[Marshall University]] while developing his songwriting skills but dropped out after one semester. He also played with various local bands around [[Huntington, West Virginia]]. During that time, his friend [[Shane Keister]], who worked as a session musician in Nashville, encouraged him to move to Nashville, the Country Music capital, and pursue a career in music.<ref name="long" /> In 1978, Smith moved to Nashville, taking a job as a landscaper to support himself. He played with several local bands in the Nashville club scene. He also developed a problem with substance abuse. {{quote|I really started losing touch when I moved to Nashville, around April of '78. I was smokin' marijuana, drinking, doing some other drugs; just being crazy, you know. My mom and dad knew what I was doing. But they never hassled me; they just prayed for me. And I felt convicted by God. Every time I'd wake up I knew: This isn't me. But I couldn't change myself.<ref name="long" />}} After a breakdown in November 1979, Smith decided to recommit to Christianity. The next day he auditioned for a new contemporary Christian music (CCM) group, Higher Ground, as a keyboardist and got the job. His lead vocals were heard on much of CCM radio with the single, "I Am". It was on his first tour with Higher Ground, playing mostly in churches, that Smith was finally able to put the drugs and alcohol behind him.<ref name="long" /> == Music career == === Beginning (1981–1989) === In 1981, while he was playing keyboards for Higher Ground,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Michael W.|title=It's Time To Be Bold|date=2003|publisher=Thomas Nelson}}</ref> Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he wrote numerous [[gospel music|gospel]] hits penned for artists such as [[Sandi Patty]], [[Kathy Troccoli]], [[Bill Gaither (gospel singer)|Bill Gaither]] and [[Amy Grant]], to the effect that some of these popular worship songs can now be found in church [[hymnals]]. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her ''[[Age to Age]]'' tour. He became Grant's opening act and recorded his first [[Grammy]]-nominated solo album ''[[The Michael W. Smith Project]]'' (which he also produced himself) in 1983 on the [[Reunion Records]] label. This album contained the first recording of his hit "Friends", which he co-wrote with his wife Deborah. By the time Smith's second album ''[[Michael W. Smith 2]]'' was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. In 1986, Smith released ''[[The Big Picture (Michael W. Smith album)|The Big Picture]]''. After the release of his 1988 effort, ''[[i 2 (EYE)]]'', Smith once again collaborated with Grant for her "Lead Me On" world tour. The following year, Smith recorded his first [[Christmas]] album, simply titled ''[[Christmas (Michael W. Smith album)|Christmas]]'' (1989). === Mainstream venture and inspirational pop albums (1990–1999) === [[File:Graham Crusade Smith.JPG|thumb|Michael W. Smith and [[TobyMac]] with evangelist [[Billy Graham]] in 1994]] In 1990, Smith released ''[[Go West Young Man (Michael W. Smith album)|Go West Young Man]]'', his first mainstream effort, which included the mainstream [[crossover (music)|crossover]] hit single "[[Place in This World]]". The song peaked at No. 6 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. In 1992, he released ''[[Change Your World (Michael W. Smith album)|Change Your World]]'', which included the No. 1 adult contemporary hit "[[I Will Be Here for You]]". In 1993 Smith released his first box set, ''[[The Wonder Years (Michael W. Smith box set)|The Wonder Years]]'' and his first greatest hits album, ''[[The First Decade (1983–1993)]]''. The latter also includes two new songs, "Do You Dream of Me?" and "Kentucky Rose". In 1994, Smith appeared as a guest pianist on the album ''[[Swing, Swang, Swung]]'' by [[Christian rock]] band [[Guardian (band)|Guardian]].<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=[[Swing, Swang, Swung]] |others=[[Guardian (band)|Guardian]] |year=1994 |type=Liner notes |publisher=Myrrh |id=7012529261 |location=Los Angeles}}</ref> In 1995, Smith released his eighth album ''[[I'll Lead You Home]]'', which combines the pop style of his secular albums with a touch of religious feel. ''[[Live the Life]]'' (1998) and ''[[This Is Your Time (Michael W. Smith album)|This Is Your Time]]'' (1999) follow the same style. In 1998, Smith also released his second Christmas album, ''[[Christmastime (Michael W. Smith album)|Christmastime]]''. Smith collaborated with [[Jim Brickman]] on "Love of My Life", a romantic love song for Brickman's album ''Destiny'' in 1999. The song went to chart at No. 9 on the [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks]]. Also in 1999, he became the first Christian artist to receive the [[ASCAP]] "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting.<ref name=goldennote /><ref>{{cite news|title=Greater Cincinnati – Northern Kentucky Mission|url=http://www2.cincinnati.com/billygraham/guests.html|newspaper=Cincinnati.com|access-date=May 21, 2015|quote=He is also the first Christian artist to receive the ASCAP "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting}}</ref> === Instrumental and live worship albums (2000–2003) === Nearly all of Smith's albums include at least one instrumental track, and in 2000 Smith recorded his first all instrumental album, ''[[Freedom (Michael W. Smith album)|Freedom]]''. The following year, Smith released his first all-worship music album, ''[[Worship (Michael W. Smith album)|Worship]]'', on September 11. This album was followed by a sequel, ''[[Worship Again]]'' in 2002. Both albums were recorded live in concert. ''Worship Again'' also includes a song that Smith wrote called "There She Stands", inspired by the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]]. He performed this song live for the 2004 [[Republican National Convention]],<ref name="ccm1 ">{{cite journal| last=Croteau | first=Roberta | title =Ready for His Close-up |journal=[[CCM Magazine]]| date=December 2004|url =http://www.ccmmagazine.com/search/11535181/ |access-date= August 15, 2009}}</ref> saying that President [[George W. Bush]], who he said is a fan and a family friend, had asked him to write a song about the attacks.<ref name="cbn">{{cite web|last=Woodland|first=Shannon|title=Mr. Smith Goes to Washington|url=http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/interviews/700club_mwsmith112404.aspx |publisher=CBN Music|access-date=November 10, 2011}}</ref> In 2002, Smith released a live concert DVD titled ''Worship'', filmed live in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]] at YC Alberta. The concert includes songs from both ''Worship'' (2001) and ''Worship Again'' (2002). It immediately topped the Billboard video charts and went [[Music recording sales certification|gold]] in both the U.S. and Canada. Smith won the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the [[GMA Music Awards]] in 2003.<ref name="about">{{cite web|title=GMA Dove Awards Male Vocalist of the Year History|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/tp/gmamalevocalisthistory.htm|publisher=About.com|access-date=November 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219062214/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/tp/gmamalevocalisthistory.htm|archive-date=February 19, 2012}}</ref> The same year he also released his second greatest hits album, ''[[The Second Decade (1993–2003)]]'', which includes a new single called "Signs". === Contemporary Christian albums (2004–2010) === [[File:Michael W. Smith.jpg|thumb|Michael W. Smith during a concert in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in 2005]] Smith's album, ''[[Healing Rain]]'', was released in 2004 and debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart. The title track rose to No. 1 on the Radio & Records Charts and a music video for the song was released. The album combines the pop style of his previous recordings with the religious feel of his two live worship albums. It was also nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album]]. In 2006 he released ''[[Stand (Michael W. Smith album)|Stand]]'', which is similar to ''Healing Rain'' (2004) in style and genre but with more Christian-themed songs. Also in 2006, Smith did the score and soundtrack to the film ''[[The Second Chance]]'', which he also starred in. He also released a single from the soundtrack album, "All in the Serve". In October 2007, he released his third Christmas album, ''[[It's a Wonderful Christmas]]''. On June 20, 2008, Smith recorded his third live Worship album at the [[Lakewood Church]] in [[Houston, Texas]], titled ''[[A New Hallelujah]]''. It was released in October 2008. That same month he began a tour with [[Steven Curtis Chapman]]. In September 2010, he released ''[[Wonder (Michael W. Smith album)|Wonder]]'',<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/reviews/michael-w-smith-wonder-review-von-buseck.aspx Michael W. Smith Reveals the "Wonder" of God's Grace: Review], ''CBN.com''.</ref> which follows the CCM style of ''Healing Rain'' (2004) and ''Stand'' (2006). === Orchestral instrumental, hymns, and studio worship albums (2011–2016) === Smith's second instrumental album, ''[[Glory (Michael W. Smith album)|Glory]]'', was released on November 22, 2011. Unlike his first instrumental album, ''Freedom'' (2000), this album features a 65-piece orchestra at [[Associated Independent Recording|AIR Studios Lyndhurts Hall]] in London and Wildwood Recording Studio in Nashville.<ref name="cduniverse">{{cite web|title=Glory|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8622747 |publisher=CD Universe|access-date=December 10, 2011}}</ref> The following year he released his third compilation album, ''[[Decades of Worship]]'' (2012). Smith's concert in Draper, Utah, on July 24, 2012 was almost canceled due to a complaint filed by a Utah resident on July 16, 2012. He claimed that a show "conflated with prayer and worship" should remain in church or private property, not in the "public's backyard". The following day the city council decided to cancel the concert, but a day later they decided to host the show as planned after all, following a criticism from a Utah evangelical group that equated cancelling the concert to an assault on religious liberty.<ref>{{cite web|title=Christian concert in Draper on again despite lawsuit threat|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54512569-78/concert-draper-walker-money.html.csp|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|access-date=July 22, 2012}}</ref> The Mayor of Draper and several city council members were present at the event and were recognized for their support. [[File:Michael_W._Smith_in_June_2014.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Michael W. Smith performing in June 2014]] In 2014, Smith released three albums, ''[[Hymns (Michael W. Smith album)|Hymns]]'', ''[[Sovereign (album)|Sovereign]]'', and ''[[The Spirit of Christmas (Michael W. Smith album)|The Spirit of Christmas]]''. ''Hymns'' is Smith's first effort at doing his own rendition of traditional hymns, and it was released exclusively at [[Cracker Barrel Old Country Store]] on March 24, 2014.<ref name=newreleasetuesday>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=117|title=Michael W. Smith Announces Exclusive "Hymns" Release at Cracker Barrel|publisher=NewReleaseTuesday.com|date=March 8, 2014|access-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref> The album sold 12,000 copies in its first week of release and debuted at No. 24 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name=billboarddebut>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/chart-alert/6039653/chart-moves-gods-not-dead-sales-surge-london-grammar-gains|title=Chart Moves: 'God's Not Dead' Sales Surge, London Grammar Gains, Karmin's Full-Length Arrives|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=April 4, 2014|access-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> It was also the best-selling [[Christian music]] album for the week of April 19, 2014,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Christian Albums (link shows current list and at the bottom there's an archive for every week back to year 2000)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/christian-albums|access-date=September 28, 2014}}</ref> and won a 2014 Dove Award for "Inspirational Album of the Year".<ref>{{cite web|title=Dove Awards 2014 Winners: Pre-Show Awards Given Out to Switchfoot, Skillet, Michael W. Smith, and More|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/dove-awards-2014-winners-pre-show-awards-given-out-to-switchfoot-skillet-michael-w-smith-and-more-list-20467/|publisher=BREATHEcast|access-date=November 4, 2014|date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> ''Sovereign'', released on May 13, 2014, is his first studio worship album and his first album released through Capitol Records,<ref>{{cite web|last=Papadatos|first=Markos|title=Interview with Michael W. Smith: 'You Won't Let Go'|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/a-and-e/music/interview-with-michael-w-smith-you-won-t-let-go/article/376209|work=Digital Journal|access-date=March 14, 2014|date=March 14, 2014}}</ref> after leaving his long-time label Reunion Records in 2013.<ref name=Capitol/> The album sold almost 16,000 copies in its first week,<ref name=debutcharts>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092255/billboard-200-black-keys-michael-jackson-albums-rascal-flatts|title=The Black Keys Earn First No. 1 Album, Michael Jackson Debuts at No. 2|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=May 21, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 23, 2014}}</ref> and debuted at No. 10 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], making it the highest-charting album in his career as of 2014.<ref name=debutcharts/> ''The Spirit of Christmas'', officially released as ''Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas'', is Smith's first duet album. Released on September 30, 2014, it features duets with [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Lady Antebellum]], [[Little Big Town]], [[Jennifer Nettles]], [[Martina McBride]], [[Vince Gill]], [[Bono]], [[Amy Grant]], and [[Michael McDonald (singer)|Michael McDonald]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Horton|first=Carrie|title=Michael W. Smith Announces Christmas Album with Lots of Country Stars|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/michael-w-smith-christmas-album-country-stars/|work=Taste of Country|access-date=September 16, 2014|date=August 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stephens|first=Samantha|title=Carrie Underwood, Lady A Get Festive With Michael W. Smith|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1730274/carrie-underwood-lady-a-get-festive-with-michael-w-smith.jhtml|work=CMT|access-date=September 16, 2014|date=August 19, 2014}}</ref> The album marks Smith's third new album in 2014 to enter the Billboard 200,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Herb Alpert Returns After 27-Year Absence|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6281527/herb-alpert-returns-charts|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 10, 2014|date=October 12, 2014}}</ref> peaking at No. 16 {{as of|2014|12|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310914/michael-w-smith/chart?f=305|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 25, 2014}}</ref> It also won a 2015 Dove Award for "Christmas Album of the Year". Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as the "cornerstone of Christian music" by [[ASCAP]] in 2014 for his significant influence on the genre.<ref name="ASCAP Christian Music Awards"/> In 2015, Smith and his son Tyler wrote the score and soundtrack for the film ''[[90 Minutes in Heaven (film)|90 Minutes in Heaven]]'', which he also has a small acting role in. In November 2015, Smith and Amy Grant started their annual Christmas tour again after a roughly 15-year break.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amy Grant reflects on Christmas traditions and keeping family close in advance of Hershey show with Michael W. Smith|url=http://lancasteronline.com/features/entertainment/amy-grant-reflects-on-christmas-traditions-and-keeping-family-close/article_5e66bc8c-dba0-11e7-b4cd-6bb07f9e027b.html|website=lancasteronline.com|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=December 10, 2017}}</ref> Smith's second hymns album, called ''[[Hymns II (Michael W. Smith album)|Hymns II - Shine on Us]]'', was released on January 29, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Partners with Michael W. Smith to Sponsor Nationwide Christmas Tour|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151202005268/en/Cracker-Barrel-Country-Store%C2%AE-Partners-Michael-W.|website=businesswire.com|access-date=December 2, 2015|date=December 2, 2015}}</ref> Like his first hymns album released in 2014, the album was sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. On June 21, 2016, Smith released a new single titled "He Will Never End" which was originally released in March 2016 as a bonus track on the [[Target (store)|Target]] exclusive edition of ''The Passion: New Orleans'' soundtrack CD (2016).<ref>{{cite web|title=The Passion: New Orleans, Soundtrack arrives March 18. Target version of the album features a brand new Michael W. Smith song inspired by the Passion!|url=http://michaelwsmith.com/the-passion-new-orleans-soundtrack-arrives-march-18-target-version-of-the-album-features-a-brand-new-michael-w-smith-song-inspired-by-the-the-passion/|website=michaelwsmith.com|access-date=July 15, 2016}}</ref> On June 27, 2016, he released the music video for the single which was filmed entirely in Israel in April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith "He Will Never End" Music Video|url=http://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/official-videos/2308-michael-w-smith-he-will-never-end-music-video|website=thechristianbeat.org|access-date=July 15, 2016|date=June 27, 2016}}</ref> Later in 2016, Smith released a Christmas musical project in a collaboration with Wes King, Bradley Knight, and Luke Gambill called ''Almost There – A Christmas Musical''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Almost There – A Christmas Musical – Now Available for Church Worship/Choir Directors… (Listen to the musical here)|url=http://michaelwsmith.com/almost-there-a-christmas-musical-now-available-for-church-worshipchoir-directors-listen-to-the-musical-here/|website=michaelwsmith.com|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> The musical is named after a song Smith wrote a few years ago for his Christmas album ''The Spirit of Christmas'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web|title=Almost There Arrangers: Michael W. Smith, Wes King, Bradley Knight, Luke Gambill|url=http://brentwoodbenson.com/Choral/Christmas/Almost-There/001SC05190AF|website=Brentwood Benson|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> === ''A Million Lights'' and ''Surrounded'' (2017–present) === On August 11, 2017, Smith released a new single, "A Million Lights", which marks a departure from his previous sound.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith Releases 'A Million Lights' Single Today|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=2531|website=newreleasetoday.com|publisher=NewReleaseToday|access-date=October 27, 2017|date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> It is the lead single and title track from his [[A Million Lights (Michael W. Smith album)|pop album]] released on February 16, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|title=Michael W. Smith is lost in space in 'A Million Lights' video|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/10/24/exclusive-michael-w-smith-lost-space-uplifting-a-million-lights-video/785063001/|work=USA Today|access-date=October 27, 2017|date=October 24, 2017}}</ref> A week after, on February 23, 2018, Smith released another album called ''[[Surrounded (Michael W. Smith album)|Surrounded]]'' which is his first live worship album in ten years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two For February: Second album by Michael W Smith to be released in February|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Two_For_February/61797/p1/|website=Cross Rhythms|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=January 2, 2018}}</ref> The two albums became his 30th and 31st top 10 entries in ''Billboard'''s Top Christian Albums chart, the most among solo artists in the span of his career.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Asker|first1=Jim|title=Passion, Michael W. Smith & Jekalyn Carr Debut on Christian & Gospel Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8238637/passion-michael-w-smith-christian-gospel-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 14, 2018|date=March 8, 2018}}</ref> In May 2018, Smith launched a new children's book series, ''Nurturing Steps'', which he created with [[VeggieTales]] co-creator Mike Nawrocki. The first book, ''Nighty Night and Good Night'', was released May 8. He also released his first children's album, ''Lullaby'', to accompany the book.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lundin|first1=Marcus|title=Michael W. Smith Launches 'Nurturing Steps,' Releases 'Lullaby' Music Album, New Book For Infants, Toddlers|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/michael-w-smith-launches-nurturing-steps-releases-lullaby-music-album-new-book-for-infants-toddlers-37758/|website=breathecast.com|access-date=May 18, 2018|date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> On August 30, 2018, Smith hosted a free event at Nashville's [[Bridgestone Arena]] called "Surrounded: A Night to Pray, Worship and Be Awakened". The event will be broadcast on [[Trinity Broadcasting Network|TBN]] later this year in 175 countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/michael-w-smith-to-spearhead-next-great-awakening-singer-to-fulfill-prophecy-over-nashville-226911/|title=Michael W. Smith to Spearhead Next Great Awakening? Singer to Fulfill Prophecy Over Nashville|access-date=September 16, 2018}}</ref> On February 22, 2019, Smith released ''Awaken: The Surrounded Experience'', a live worship album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/MichaelWSmith.asp|title=Michael W. Smith Discography, Michael W. Smith Artist Database {{!}} Jesusfreakhideout.com|website=www.jesusfreakhideout.com|access-date=February 23, 2019}}</ref> Smith released a live album of worship music, ''Worship Forever'', to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, which is also the date in which his original album ''Worship'' was released.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} It was also accompanied by a live concert on TBN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iILJ2gy_IcA|title=Michael W. Smith: Worship Forever | Amy Grant, Tauren Wells, and Matt Redman | FULL CONCERT | TBN|accessdate=January 20, 2022|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In March 2024, Smith released his worship EP ''Worthy is the Lamb'' which was recorded at [[Belmont University]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woolum |first1=Brandon |title=Michael W. Smith Releases New EP 'Worthy Is The Lamb' |url=https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/michael-w-smith-releases-new-ep-worthy-is-the-lamb/ |website=CCM Magazine |access-date=13 April 2024 |date=18 March 2024}}</ref> == Acting career == In 1994, Smith made his acting debut as Billy Holden in ''[[Secret Adventures]]'': "Shrug". In 2006, Smith was the lead actor in ''[[The Second Chance]]'', a film directed by [[Steve Taylor]]. He also did some of the score and soundtrack for this film.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} In 2015, Smith starred as Cliff McArdle in the [[90 Minutes in Heaven (film)|film adaptation]] of the best-selling book ''[[90 Minutes in Heaven]]'' by Don Piper.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith Coming to a Theater Near You|url=http://www.spirit1059.com/setlist/2015/02/13/michael-w-smith-coming-to-a-theater-near-you|publisher=KFMK Spirit 105.9 FM|access-date=February 18, 2015|date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> In addition, he collaborated with his son on the score and soundtrack for this film. Smith also starred as James the disciple in ''[[The Passion (U.S. TV special)|The Passion]]'', a live musical film that was aired on FOX on March 20, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith Moved to Tears on FOX's The Passion Set|url=http://www1.cbn.com/television/michael-w-smith-moved-to-tears-fox-passion-set|publisher=CBN|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> == Other ventures == In 1994, Smith opened a teen club, named [[Rocketown]], in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] (6th Avenue). Later in early 2003, the club was moved to a new location—a renovated warehouse in downtown Nashville. The venue offers a large dance floor, extensive indoor skate park, and a café hosting live acoustic music. In 1996, Smith opened his own record label, [[Rocketown Records]]. The label was named after a song on his third album ''The Big Picture''. The first artist signed was [[Chris Rice]], who had written "Go Light Your World", a No. 1 hit song by [[Kathy Troccoli]], in 1995. Smith didn't record under the label himself until 2018. Smith is actively involved in volunteer service and is vice chair of the [[President's Council on Service and Civic Participation]], which is chaired by [[Jean Case]] of the [[Case Foundation]]. He is also an avid spokesperson for sponsoring children through [[Compassion International]].<ref name="ct2">{{cite journal| last=Phan | first=Katherine T. | title =CCM Artists Lend Voices for Children |journal=[[Christianity Today]]| year=2007|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/ccm.artists.lend.voices.for.children/13557.htm |access-date=August 15, 2009}}</ref> Smith was active in [[List of Billy Graham's crusades|Billy Graham Crusades]] as well as [[Samaritan's Purse]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography |url=http://www.michaelwsmith.com/bio.html |work=Michael W Smith |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526194544/http://www.michaelwsmith.com/bio.html |archive-date=May 26, 2011 }}</ref> Smith sang "[[Just As I Am (hymn)|Just As I Am]]" in a tribute to Graham at the [[44th GMA Dove Awards]].<ref>{{Cite episode|title=44th Annual Dove Awards |series=N/A |network=[[Up (TV network)|Up]] |time=1:39 }}</ref> He also sang it at the memorial service [[United States Capitol rotunda#Lying in state and honor|honoring Graham]] at the [[United States Capitol rotunda]] on February 28, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gospelmusic.org/michael-w-smith-leads-just-as-i-am-during-rev-billy-graham-capitol-service/|title=Michael W. Smith Leads "Just As I Am" During Rev. Billy Graham Capitol Service|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/billy-graham-honored-capitol-memorial-service-trump-dad-love-america-pastor-219766/|title=Billy Graham Honored at US Capitol Memorial Service; Trump Recalls Dad's Love for 'America's Pastor'|date=February 28, 2018 |access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref> == Personal life == Smith is married to Deborah "Debbie" Kay Davis and has five children, including filmmaker Ryan Whitaker Smith.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael W. Smith: Grammy Winner and Grandfather |url=https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/michael-w-smith-grammy-winner-and-grandfather/ |website=www.focusonthefamily.com|date=June 19, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michael W. Smith's Children Share His Faith & They Gave Him 17 Grandchildren |url=https://news.amomama.com/297732-michael-w-smiths-children-share-his-fait.html |website=news.amomama.com|date=January 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ryan Whitaker |url=https://www.ryanwhitakerfilm.com/ |website=Ryan Whitaker Film |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref> He lives in the Nashville suburbs. Smith attended Belmont Church in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], and is mentored by its long-time pastor, [[Don Finto]].<ref>Black, Beau. [http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/michael-w-smith/features/gloria-in-excelsis/ Gloria In Excelsis] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729213545/http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/michael-w-smith/features/gloria-in-excelsis/ |date=July 29, 2014 }}, TodaysChristianMusic.com. Retrieved July 24, 2013.</ref> Smith is also the founding pastor of ''New River Fellowship Church'' in [[Franklin, Tennessee]], where he was the lead pastor from 2006 to 2008.{{cn|date=April 2023}} Smith was a friend of former President [[George H. W. Bush]] and is a friend of his son, former President [[George W. Bush]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2004/michaelwsmith-1004.html|title=The Real Dubya (interview with Michael W. Smith)|date=April 10, 2004|access-date=February 12, 2008|author=Russ Breimeier}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020925-6.html|title=Remarks by the President at the National Republican Senatorial Committee Annual Dinner |date=September 25, 2002|access-date=February 12, 2008|publisher=[[The White House]]}}</ref> Smith was invited to play at the [[2004 Republican National Convention]]<ref>{{Cite web | title = The politics of music: Musicians mobilize for and against President Bush |first=David |last=de Sola | publisher = CNN | date = August 30, 2004 | access-date = January 8, 2018 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/29/gop.music/index.html }}</ref> singing "There She Stands",{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} as well as the [[Death and state funeral of George H. W. Bush|state funeral of George H. W. Bush]] at the [[National Cathedral]] in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2018, singing "Friends".<ref>{{Cite news | title = George H.W. Bush funeral: Former president remembered for integrity, service |first1=John |last1=Wagner |first2=Felicia |last2=Sonmez | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = December 5, 2018 | access-date = December 6, 2018 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-state-funeral-for-george-hw-bush-mourners-to-include-all-living-us-presidents/2018/12/05/952dcc72-f87f-11e8-8d64-4e79db33382f_story.html }}</ref> Smith is also friends with [[U2]] singer [[Bono]] and they have collaborated on a Christmas album<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/08/30/michael-w-smith-bono-team-christmas-album/14860681/|title=Michael W. Smith, Bono team up on Christmas album|website=[[The Tennessean]] |access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> as well as [[ONE Campaign|One Campaign]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/event/bono-and-data-announce-the-one-campaign-75080046?#jars-of-clay-bono-and-michael-w-smith-during-bono-and-data-announce-picture-id105317635|title=Bono and DATA Announce The One Campaign Photos and Images – Getty Images|access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> [[Alderson-Broaddus College]] awarded Smith the degree Doctorate of Music ''[[honoris causa]]'' in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith|url=http://www.compassion.com/michael-w-smith.htm|website=compassion.com|access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=American|first1=Odessa|title=Michael W. Smith to bring 'Glory' to Wagner Noël|url=http://www.oaoa.com/people/entertainment/music/article_bc99f3f8-2de1-11e3-90e0-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm|website=Oaoa.com|access-date=May 1, 2015|date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> Smith was also named one of [[People (magazine)|''People'']] magazine's "Most Beautiful People" in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20112592,00.html|title=Michael W. Smith|date=May 4, 1992|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> In 2018, he performed at [[Billy Graham]]'s memorial and funeral.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/body-of-rev-billy-graham-will-lie-in-honor-wednesday-at-us-capitol/708462477|title=BILLY GRAHAM HONORED: President honors Rev. Billy Graham; body lies in honor at US Capitol|last=EndPlay|date=March 1, 2018|publisher=WSOC|access-date=April 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2018/march/christian-artist-michael-w-smith-honors-billy-graham-with-tearful-musical-tribute|title=Christian Artist Michael W. Smith Honors Billy Graham with Tearful Musical Tribute|date=March 2, 2018|access-date=March 16, 2018}}</ref> In June 2019, Smith signed a declaration by [[Franklin Graham]], that called for a special day of prayer for President [[Donald Trump]], that God would protect, strengthen, embolden, and direct him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Statement From Faith Leaders Regarding Special Day of Prayer|url=https://billygraham.org/story/special-day-of-prayer/|access-date=December 24, 2020|website=Billy Graham Evangelistic Association}}</ref> == Works == === Discography === {{main|Michael W. Smith discography}} [[File:Amy Grant and Michael W Smith.jpg|thumb|[[Amy Grant]] (left) and Michael W. Smith (right) have gone on several concert tours together]] <!-- See WP:WPMAG#Discography_section for MOS guidelines: "The discography section of the musician's primary article should also provide a basic summary of the musician's work. In most cases this can done using a simple list of their albums." --> {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * ''[[Michael W. Smith Project]]'' (1983) * ''[[Michael W. Smith 2]]'' (1984) * ''[[The Big Picture (Michael W. Smith album)|The Big Picture]]'' (1986) * ''[[The Live Set]]'' (1987) * ''[[i 2 (EYE)]]'' (1988) * ''[[Christmas (Michael W. Smith album)|Christmas]]'' (1989) * ''[[Go West Young Man (Michael W. Smith album)|Go West Young Man]]'' (1990) * ''[[Change Your World (Michael W. Smith album)|Change Your World]]'' (1992) * ''[[The First Decade (1983–1993)]]'' (1993) * ''[[I'll Lead You Home]]'' (1995) * ''[[Live the Life]]'' (1998) * ''[[Christmastime (Michael W. Smith album)|Christmastime]]'' (1998) * ''[[This Is Your Time (Michael W. Smith album)|This Is Your Time]]'' (1999) * ''[[Freedom (Michael W. Smith album)|Freedom]]'' (2000) * '' [[Worship (Michael W. Smith album) |Worship]] '' (2001) * ''[[Worship Again]]'' (2002) * ''[[The Second Decade (1993–2003)]]'' (2003) * ''[[Healing Rain]]'' (2004) * ''[[Stand (Michael W. Smith album)|Stand]]'' (2006) * ''[[It's a Wonderful Christmas]]'' (2007) * ''[[A New Hallelujah]]'' (2008) * ''[[Wonder (Michael W. Smith album)|Wonder]]'' (2010) * ''[[Glory (Michael W. Smith album)|Glory]]'' (2011) * ''[[Decades of Worship]]'' (2012) * ''[[Hymns (Michael W. Smith album)|Hymns]]'' (2014) * ''[[Sovereign (album)|Sovereign]]'' (2014) * ''[[The Spirit of Christmas (Michael W. Smith album)|The Spirit of Christmas]]'' (2014) * ''[[Hymns II (Michael W. Smith album)|Hymns II – Shine on Us]]'' (2016) * ''[[A Million Lights (Michael W. Smith album)|A Million Lights]]'' (2018) * ''[[Surrounded (Michael W. Smith album)|Surrounded]]'' (2018) * ''Lullaby'' (2018) * ''Awaken: The Surrounded Experience'' (2019) * ''Still, Volume 1'' (2020) * ''Worship Forever'' (2021) * ''Christmas At Home'' (2022) * ''Every Christmas'' (2023) {{div col end}} <!-- Only studio albums are listed here per WP:WPMAG--> === Publications === {{div col|colwidth=40em}} * ''Old Enough to Know''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1987. {{ISBN|978-0849931628}} * ''It's Time to Be Bold''. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1997. {{ISBN|978-1568655635}} * ''Friends are Friends Forever''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997. {{ISBN|978-0785297468}} * ''Your Place in This World''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998. {{ISBN|978-0785270201}} * ''This Is Your Time: Make Every Moment Count''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1999. {{ISBN|978-0785270355}} * ''I Will Be Your Friend''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0785270362}} * ''Worship''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0849995934}} * ''The Price of Freedom''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2002. {{ISBN|978-0849956096}} * ''Signs''. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004. {{ISBN|978-1400302956}} * ''Healing Rain''. Nashville: Thomas-Nelson. 2004. {{ISBN|978-1591452737}} * ''A Simple Blessing''. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. {{ISBN|978-0310327561}} * ''The Power of an Ordinary Prayer'': Worthy Publishing, 2013. {{ISBN|978-1617951923}} * ''Nighty Night and Good Night'': Zonderkids, 2018. {{ISBN|978-0310767015}} * ''The Way of the Father. Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God'': K-LOVE, 2021. {{ISBN|978-1954201026}} {{div col end}} === Audio books === * ''The Gospels Come to Life''. Irving, Texas: Gospels Come to Life, 2003. === Filmography === * ''Secret Adventures: Shrug'' (1994) as Billy Holden * ''[[The Second Chance]]'' (2006) as Ethan Jenkins * ''[[90 Minutes in Heaven (film)|90 Minutes in Heaven]]'' (2015) as Cliff McArdle == Awards == '''Grammy Awards''' * 1984 Best Gospel Performance, Male for ''Michael W. Smith 2'' * 1995 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''I'll Lead You Home'' * 2002 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Worship Again'' '''Grammy nominations''' * 1983 Best Gospel Performance, Male for ''Michael W. Smith Project'' * 1986 Best Gospel Performance, Male for ''The Big Picture'' * 1988 Best Gospel Performance, Male for ''I 2(Eye)'' * 1989 Best Gospel Vocal Performance, Male for "Holy, Holy, Holy" * 1990 Best Pop Gospel Album for ''Go West Young Man'' * 1998 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Live the Life'' * 2000 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''This Is Your Time'' * 2002 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Worship'' * 2006 Best Christian Pop Album for ''Healing Rain'' * 2008 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Stand'' *2019 Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for ''Surrounded'' '''Dove Awards''' * 1985 Songwriter of the Year * 1987 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for ''The Big Picture'' (producer, artist) * 1988 Long Form Music Video of the Year for "The Big Picture Tour Video" (artist) * 1990 Short Form Music Video of the Year for "I Miss the Way" (artist) * 1991 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for ''Go West Young Man'' (producer, artist) * 1992 Choral Collection of the Year for ''The Michael W. Smith Collection'' (artist) * 1992 Musical Album of the Year for ''Change Your World'' (artist) * 1992 Song of the Year for "Place in this World" (artist) * [[24th GMA Dove Awards|1993]] Praise and Worship Album of the Year for ''Songs from the Loft'' (artist) * [[24th GMA Dove Awards|1993]] Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for ''[[The Wonder Years]]'' (artist) * [[25th GMA Dove Awards|1994]] Musical Album of the Year for ''Living on the Edge'' (artist) * 1996 Songwriter of the Year * 1996 Special Event Album of the Year for ''My Utmost For His Highest'' (artist) * 1997 Special Event Album of the Year for ''Tribute: The Songs of Andrae Crouch'' (artist) * 1998 Children's Music Album of the Year for ''Sing Me to Sleep Daddy'' (artist) * 1998 Special Event Album of the Year for ''God With Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols and Classics'' (artist) * 1998 Enhanced CD of the Year for ''Live the Life – Maxi Single'' (artist) * 1999 Artist of the Year * 1999 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for ''Live the Life'' (producer, artist) * 1999 Producer of the Year * 1999 Special Event Album of the Year for ''Exodus'' (artist) * 2000 Short Form Music Video of the Year for "This is Your Time" (artist) * 2000 Song of the Year for "This Is Your Time" (artist) * 2000 Songwriter of the Year * 2001 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for ''This is Your Time'' (producer, artist) * 2001 Youth/Children's Musical Album of the Year for ''Friends 4 Ever'' (artist) * 2002 Album of the Year for ''Worship'' (producer, artist) * 2002 Artist of the Year * 2002 Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "Above All" (artist) * 2002 Instrumental Album of the Year for ''Freedom'' (producer, artist) * 2003 Album of the Year for ''Worship Again'' (producer, artist) * 2003 Artist of the Year * 2003 Long Form Music Video of the Year for ''Worship DVD/Video'' (producer, artist) * 2003 Male Vocalist of the Year * 2008 Christmas Album of the Year for ''It's a Wonderful Christmas'' * 2009 Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "A New Hallelujah" * 2009 Praise & Worship Album of the Year for ''A New Hallelujah'' * 2012 Best Instrumental Album of the Year for ''Glory'' * 2014 Inspirational Album of the Year for ''Hymns'' * 2015 Christmas Album of the Year for ''The Spirit of Christmas'' '''American Music Awards''' * 1992 Favorite New Adult Contemporary Artist '''Gospel Music Hall of Fame''' * 2008 Inductee<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2018-01-01 |title=Michael W. Smith |url=https://gospelmusichalloffame.org/michael-w-smith/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=Gospel Music Hall Of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category|Michael W. Smith}} * {{Official website}} * {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p2400}} * {{IMDb name|0809363}} * [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html Transcript of February 10, 2006 interview] with [[Larry King]] {{Michael W. Smith|state=expanded}} {{West Virginia Music Hall of Fame}} {{Compassionart}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Michael W.}} [[Category:Michael W. Smith| ]] [[Category:1957 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:20th-century American composers]] [[Category:20th-century American pianists]] [[Category:20th-century American singers]] [[Category:20th-century evangelicals]] [[Category:21st-century American composers]] [[Category:21st-century American pianists]] [[Category:21st-century American singers]] [[Category:21st-century evangelicals]] [[Category:American male composers]] [[Category:American male film actors]] [[Category:American male pianists]] [[Category:American performers of Christian music]] [[Category:Christian music songwriters]] [[Category:Christians from Tennessee]] [[Category:Christians from West Virginia]] [[Category:Grammy Award winners]] [[Category:Marshall University alumni]] [[Category:Musicians from Huntington, West Virginia]] [[Category:Musicians from Nashville, Tennessee]] [[Category:People from Kenova, West Virginia]] [[Category:Performers of contemporary Christian music]] [[Category:Performers of contemporary worship music]] [[Category:Reunion Records artists]] [[Category:Singers from Tennessee]] [[Category:Songwriters from Tennessee]] [[Category:Songwriters from West Virginia]] [[Category:Tennessee Republicans]] Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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