Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith.

Nashville is home to many gospel music artists, and many Christian musicians got their start in Nashville. Some of the gospel artists who got their start in Nashville include: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Elvis Presley, The Imperials, Daniel Kirkley, Lara Landon, Mark Schultz, Luke Benward, Lanae' Hale, pureNRG and Paramore.

Amy Grant
Amy Grant, one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian music, got her start in Nashville playing songs at Harpeth Hall School and at Belmont Church, where she became a regular performer at Koinonia Coffeehouse. Amy Grant was signed to her first record deal when she was just 16 years old and became one of the best-selling gospel music artists of all time. Find out more about Amy at Gospel Music 101: Who is Amy Grant?

Michael W. Smith
Three-time Grammy Award winner, Michael W. Smith moved to Nashville in 1978 where he played with several local bands in the Nashville club circuit. By 1981, Michael W. Smith had signed with Nashville's Meadowgreen Music as a writer for artists like Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither, and Amy Grant. Smith's big break came when he started touring as a keyboardist for Amy Grant's Age to Age tour. Read more about Smitty at Gospel Music 101: Who is Michael W. Smith?

Elvis Presley

In 1954, a teenage Elvis Presley made his first and only performance on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville where he received a lukewarm response. His career began to take off, however, when Presley made his first recordings for RCA in Nashville, on January 10, 1956. Elvis was a well-known gospel performer who performed with many gospel groups including the Imperials. (see Gospel Music 101: Who was Elvis Presley?)

The Imperials
Legendary gospel music mainstays, The Imperials, were formed in Nashville by Jake Hess in 1964. The Imperials have won four GRAMMY Awards and toured with Elvis Presley, among other honors.

Steven Curtis Chapman
Several gospel artists got their start at Nashville's Belmont University, among them Steven Curtis Chapman. Chapman attended Belmont briefly while also working at a music show at Opryland USA. Much like Michael W. Smith, Chapman started his career as a songwriter. His career took off when he wrote a song which was recorded by The Imperials. Steven Curtis Chapman has since become one of the most respected performers in gospel music. More details at Gospel Music 101: Who is Steven Curtis Chapman?

Daniel Kirkley and Lara Landon
Other gospel artists who got their start at Belmont University include Daniel Kirkley and Lara Landon. Lara recently signed with Bema Media. Her debut releases in September through Provident Records. While attending Belmont, Kirkley landed an internship with BMG Music Publishing, working in the Gospel division before getting a job with Brentwood Benson Music. Daniel Kirkley recently released his new EP, "As Tomorrow Comes" on Centricity Records.

Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz got his start as a youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. With the support of the First Pres congregation, Mark Schultz booked a sell-out show at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium which earned homa deal with Nashville's Word Records.

Robert Mauti
"Gospel Dream" finalist, Robert Mauti is in the process of getting his start here in Nashville. Mauti has recorded a self-titled EP in Nashville where he also sings with Nashville's Soul Choir. More at: Gospel Music Channel's 'Gospel Dream' - American Idol for gospel music artists

Luke Benward, Lanae' Hale and pureNRG
Other gospel artists who got their start in Nashville include Luke Benward who got his musical and acting start in Franklin, Tennessee; Lanae' Hale, who moved from Florida to start her music career in Nashville; and pureNRG. All three members of pureNRG were born and raised in Nashville.

Paramore
Faith-based rockers Paramore also got their start playing gigs in Music City in 2004. Get the scoop on Paramore at: The gospel according to 'Twilight's' Paramore ('Twilight' and 'Christian Sandwich' videos included)