Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith, a musician, songwriter, and author, has had a successful career spanning over three decades. Smith has written 35 No. 1 singles and sold more than 18 million albums. He is a three-time Grammy Award winner, has received a staggering 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Smith's songwriting talent has been recognized with the prestigious "Golden Note" Award from ASCAP in 1999 for lifetime achievement.

After moving to Nashville in 1978 to pursue a career in music, Smith signed on as a staff writer with Meadowgreen Music, penning gospel hits for artists such as Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither, and Amy Grant. He began touring as Grant’s keyboard player in 1982, and a year later, he released his debut solo album. Smith has recorded 31 No. 1 Hit songs, fourteen gold albums, and five platinum albums, and has made significant contributions to both contemporary Christian and mainstream music charts.

One of his most significant mainstream successes was in 1991 with the song "Place in This World," which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith’s career has seen a diverse range of albums, from mainstream efforts to instrumental and live worship albums, contemporary Christian albums, and orchestral instrumental, hymns, and studio worship albums. His most recent work includes a live album of worship music called "Worship Forever" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Outside of music, Smith has made contributions to the film industry, starring in two films, and has authored or co-authored 14 books. In 1994, Smith launched Rocketown, a faith-based youth outreach facility providing a safe haven for young people in Tennessee. He also opened his own record label, Rocketown Records, in 1996. Smith’s philanthropic work extends globally, having raised funds to battle the AIDS epidemic in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono, and through his work with Compassion International, he has helped more than 70,000 children. In May 2018, Smith launched a children's book series called "Nurturing Steps," along with a children's album titled "Lullaby."

In his personal life, Smith is married to Deborah "Debbie" Kay Davis and they have five children. He maintains friendships with former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush and has collaborated with U2 singer Bono on a Christmas album and the One Campaign. Smith is also an active volunteer and serves as vice chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.