Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia), often nicknamed "Smitty", has become one of the most popular artists in the Contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Smith had sold more than seven million records and had 25 #1 hit songs. By 2003, he had 10 gold records and 3 platinum records.

By the time Smith graduated from high school, he had found himself with serious drug and alcohol abuse problems. Nevertheless, he was able to get through a couple of years of college and develop his songwriting skills with various local bands. In October of 1979, Smith suffered an emotional and mental breakdown that awakened a recommitment to the Christian beliefs of his childhood. He cleaned up his substance abuse problem and began playing keyboards for the CCM group, Higher Ground.

In 1981, Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he racked up a number of highly successful gospel hits penned for artists like Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither, and Amy Grant. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her Age to Age tour. He would eventually become Grant's opening act and recorded his first Grammy nominated solo album: The Michael W. Smith Project (which he also produced), in 1983, on the Reunion Records label; a label started by Grant's brother-in-law, Dan Harrell, along with Michael Blanton. This album contained the first recording of his hit Friends which he co-wrote with his wife Deborah.

By the time Smith's second pop album was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. In 1986, Smith released the critically acclaimed rock album The Big Picture, with well known record producer Johnny Potoker (Brian Eno, Genesis, Madonna, No Doubt, Talking Heads, etc).

Songs by Michael W. Smith:

LOVE OF MY LIFE
ABOVE ALL              
BREATHE                
FOR YOU                
FRIENDS                
GIVE IT AWAY           
HEALING RAIN           
I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU 
LIVE THE LIFE          
MISSING PERSON         
PLACE IN THIS WORLD    
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART  
THE HEART OF WORSHIP   
THIS IS YOUR TIME
YOU ARE HOLY 

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FEATURED MUSIC

Healing Rain Known for his prolific songwriting and a driving passion to see lives changed, Michael W. Smith stands as a pillar in the Christian community and beyond. With a catalog full of impactful worship and pop music, Michael could rest on his reputation, but instead he strives to keep making music that is relevant to the human experience and God's love for us. He writes music that meets us where we are and ushers us into the healing presence of God. This is the mission behind Michael's highly-anticipated new album, "Healing Rain". With poignant lyics, moving musical expression, and a sound that seems fresh, yet familiar, Michael delivers an album that perfectly blends his pop sensibilities with the worship experience that has endeared him to so many. Listeners will hear what is closest to his heart and hopefully will let it impact their lives. "Worship is a lifestyle," says Michael. "Embrace God fully and let him embrace you. Don't be afraid to be washed in heaven's rain." Log On To Michael's Official Website And Sign Up For Friends Online! Subscribe to Friends Online and get the opportunity to sign-up for various contests as well as to receive e-mail updates from Michael. You'll also receive access to pre-sale tickets, the ability to meet Michael at a concert, exclusive audio and video features, interact online with Michael and his friends, and much more!