Gospel Music 101: Who is Michael W. Smith?

July 24, 3:43 PMNashville Gospel Music & Entertainment ExaminerKathryn Darden

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Who is Michael W. Smith?

Photo of Michael W. Smith from Wikipedia

Three-time Grammy Award winner, Michael W. Smith grew up in West Virginia where he learned to love gospel music in church. Smith made the move to Nashville from West Virginia in 1978 where he played with several local bands in the Nashville club circuit. In 1979, "Smitty" became the keyboardist for the Christian group, Higher Ground. By 1981, Michael W. Smith had signed with Nashville's Meadowgreen Music as a songwriter for respected gospel artists like Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, and Amy Grant.

Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

Smith's big break came when he started touring as a keyboardist for Amy Grant's 1982 "Age to Age" tour, eventually becoming her opening act. The two artists recorded together in 1980s and continue to work together, often writing songs or contributing vocals for each other's albums.

Michael W. Smith awards and honors

Smith recorded and produced his first solo album, The Michael W. Smith Project on Nashville's Reunion Records label in 1983. Since then Michael W. Smith has has sold more than 13 million albums and recorded 29 number-one hit songs, fourteen gold albums, and five platinum albums. Michael W. Smith has also won 3 Grammy Awards and 34 Dove Awards.  Besides writing and performing best-selling gospel and pop music, Smith has also had a side acreer as an actor.

Michael W. Smith and Rocketown

As a father, Smith began to see the need for a relevant Christian ministry to reach teens. In 1994, Michael W. Smith opened a teen club called Rocketown in Brentwood. In 2003, the youth club was moved to a renovated warehouse in Downtown Nashville where it continues to serve teens today.

In August of 2008, Michael W. Smith partnered with Steven Curtis Chapman on The United Tour.

Michael W. Smith has announced a new website launch coming on October  22nd.

For more info:

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe concert to save Gospel Music Assoc. Oct. 12

Michael W. Smith Releases First Worship Album September 11, 2001

Michael W. Smith Introduces Rocketown

Rocketown Club Finds New Home in Downtown Nashville

Also see:

National Gospel Music Heritage Month returns this September; GMC honors Third Day, Michael W. Smith

Gospel judges announced for International Songwriting Competition: Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp...

Gospel Music 101: Top ten gospel love songs - romantic music for weddings and special occasions (includes Michael W. Smith)

Gospel Music 101: Which gospel artists live in Nashville? Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac...

Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music?

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