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Michael W. Smith, formerly known as Michael Whitaker Smith, was born on October 7, 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia. He is an influential American musician , songwriter and performer, known for his influence on contemporary Christian music (CCM) and pop music. Smith’s career began in the early 1980s when he joined the band Higher Ground, which later changed its name to the Michael W. Smith Band.
With the release of the album, he launched his solo career Michael W. Smith Project 1983, which included the iconic hit “friends“. Over the years, Smith has released multiple albums, selling over 15 million copies worldwide, and won multiple Grammy and Dove Awards. Some of his most popular songs include “place in this world,” “secret ambition,” and”I’ll wait for you here“.
In addition to music, Smith also pursued acting, notably starring in films second chancehe also contributed to the show’s soundtrack. He is also known for his philanthropy, actively supporting such Compassion International and world visionwhose efforts focus on improving the welfare of children around the world.
American musician
Michael W. Smith |
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 Michael W. Smith: History‧ Profile‧ Photos |
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| Wiki facts and figures | |
| Real name: | Michael Whitaker Smith |
| stage name: | Michael W. Smith |
| born: | October 7, 1957 (67 years old) |
| place of birth: | Kenova, West Virginia, USA |
| Country of Citizenship: | American |
| educate: | Marshall University |
| high: | 1.85 meters |
| parents: | Barbara Smith, Paul Smith |
| Brothers and sisters: | Kim Smith |
| spouse: | Deborah Kay Davis (m. 1981) |
| Girlfriend·Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Tyler Michael Smith, Ryan Smith, Emily Allison Smith, Anna Elizabeth Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Morin |
| Profession: | musician•actor |
| net worth: | $14 million |
Early life and education
Michael W. Smith was born on October 7, 1957, in Kenova, West Virginia, into a Christian family that would have a major influence on his future musical career. He was white and received a modest education from his parents, Paul and Barbara Smith. His father was a coal miner. Michael grew up with his sister Kim Smith.
Smith’s musical journey began early. He began playing piano at the age of 7 and performed regularly at church events and local gatherings. His deep connection to church music and faith provided the foundation for his passion to blend music with Christian faith.
Although he initially participated in Marshall University In Huntington, West Virginia, Smith left before completing his degree to pursue his musical ambitions. His move to Nashville in the late 1970s marked the beginning of his career. Before finding fame as a solo artist, he was a member of the band Higher Ground, which played a key role in developing the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) genre.
Smith’s family background, early musical influences, and decision to focus on a faith-driven musical career ultimately led him to become one of the most influential figures in Christian music.
Profession
Michael W. Smith’s professional music career began in the late 1970s when he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to join the band Higher Ground. This early experience helped shape the emerging contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene, distinguishing it from traditional gospel music. His solo breakthrough came in 1983 with the release of the album. Michael W. Smith Projectwhich features the iconic song “friends“. The album blended elements of pop and CCM, establishing the sound that would define his career.
Throughout the 1980s, Smith gained recognition for his solo work and contributions to worship music. albums such as worship (1986) and I 2 (eyes) (1988) cemented his reputation as a worship leader with tracks including “the lord is great” became a staple in churches around the world. In the 1990s, his music increasingly crossed over into mainstream pop, especially his 1990 album young man walking westwhich featured the hit single “place in this world“. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating his ability to appeal to both Christian and secular audiences while staying true to his faith.
Smith’s genre-blending success earned him multiple Grammy Awards, as did his 1992 album change your world Of particular note is the single “I’ll wait for you here” resonated widely. Over the years, he has continued to release diverse music, ranging from worship-focused albums to more pop-oriented projects. Albums such as free (2000) and healing rain (2004) highlighted his versatility, combining spiritual themes with contemporary sounds. His live performances are documented on albums such as live a good life (1998) and worship again (2002), is known for its energy and authenticity, attracting a wide fan base.
In recent years, Smith has focused on legacy projects, including collaborating on albums with contemporary arrangements and reinterpretations of classic hymns such as hymn (2014) and Hymn II (2016). He has also branched out into children’s music, releasing albums and DVDs aimed at younger audiences, with whom he has collaborated for such titles as Compassion International.
In addition to receiving numerous Grammy and Dove Awards, Smith was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to the genre. He also dabbled in acting, notably starring in films second chancewho also contributed to the soundtrack. Smith’s career continues to inspire, blending worship, pop and philanthropy.
social media
- Facebook: Michael W. Smith
- Wikipedia: Michael W. Smith
- YouTube: Michael W. Smith
- Twitter: Michael W. Smith (@michaelwsmith) / X
personal life
Michael W. Smith married Deborah Kay Davis on September 5, 1981. They met in a recording studio in 1981 and Michael was instantly smitten, marrying the same year. Their marriage has lasted over 40 years, demonstrating a long-term partnership both personally and professionally, with Deborah often described as the woman behind Michael’s success.
Michael and Deborah have five children: Ryan Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Maureen, Anna Elizabeth Smith, Emily Allison Smith, and Tyler Michael Smith. They are also survived by grandchildren Audrey Kay Smith and Whittaker Colin Smith.
Michael W. Smith is approximately 6 feet tall. His dating history is not widely documented, aside from his marriage to Deborah Davis, which reflects his commitment to his wife and family.
net worth
Michael W. Smith is a well-known figure in the contemporary Christian music industry, having accumulated a considerable net worth over his long and successful career. According to recent estimates, his net worth is approximately $14 million, derived from his album sales, concert tours and various music ventures, including his crossover into mainstream pop music.
Smith’s career spans more than four decades, best-selling albums and prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. His unique ability to blend Christian music with mainstream elements has expanded his fan base and contributed significantly to his financial success. albums such as i will take you home and healing rain topped the Christian music charts and received gold and platinum certifications, boosting his financial standing.
In addition to his music, Smith’s net worth is further supported by his live performances, television appearances, and his work as a songwriter and producer, making him a versatile and influential figure in the industry.
discography
The following is a list of most of Michael W. Smith’s works, focusing on his albums, famous songs, and other contributions:
album
- “The Michael W. Smith Project” (1983)
- “Michael W. Smith 2” (1984)
- “The Big Picture” (1986)
- “Worship” (1986)
- “I 2 (Eyes)” (1988)
- “Young Man Goes West” (1990)
- “Change Your World” (1992)
- “I’ll Take You Home” (1993)
- “Getting a Life” (1998)
- “It’s Your Time” (1999)
- “Freedom” (2000)
- “Worship Again” (2002)
- “Healing Rain” (2004)
- “Standing” (2006)
- “The Strange Businessman” (2008)
- “New Hallelujah” (2010)
- “Hymn” (2014)
- “Hymn II” (2016)
- “Siege” (2017)
- “Awakening” (2020)
famous songs
- “Friends”
- “Place in the world”
- “I’ll wait for you here”
- “Secret Ambition”
- “The Lord is great”
- “first”
- “Healing Rain”
- “breathe”
- “Agnus Dei”
- “Open my mind’s eyes”
- “Hosanna”
- “Surrounded (My Fight)”
- “Agnus Dei (Instrumental)”
Compilations and Special Projects
- “The First Decade” – Greatest Hits.
- “Worship: The Best of Michael W. Smith” – A compilation of worship songs.
- “Second Chance” – the soundtrack to the film in which he also appeared.
live album
- “Live a good life”
- “Worship Again: Live from Nashville”
Christmas album
- “Christmas” (1989)
- “Christmas” (2002)
- “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” (2007)
children’s music
- “Rocket City Kids” Series
soundtrack
- Contributed to several film scores, including “Second Chances.”
Collaborations and Special Releases
- “Symphonic Worship” with the London Symphony Orchestra.
- “Hymn” and “Hymn II” reinterpret classic hymns.
