Â鶹APP

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Michael W. Smith     

Michael Whitaker Smith is an award-winning American gospel music singer whose name needs no introduction in the world of contemporary Christian music. Even though his first album was released in 1983, Smith began singing in the 70s. His music is fantastic and is leading in the worship sector.  

Known for his distinctive blend of pop, rock, and worship music, his songs often incorporate faith, hope, and redemption themes. Some of his songs include Friends, Place in this World, Awesome God, and Open the Eyes of My Heart, among others.  

Smith is a skillful songwriter and singer and he has advanced Christian music to the great levels it is today. Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Michael W. Smith. 

1. Michael Had An Interest In Music From Childhood 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Michael was born on 7th October 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia, to his loving parents Paul Smith who worked at an oil refinery, and Barbara Smith who was a caterer. Theirs was a Christian household that took church matters seriously, and so Michael began by playing the piano at his local church when he was a child. 

He was an avid bible reader and had friends that shared the same faith. They constantly studied the holy book together and by the time he was about 10 years, he was a committed Christian. Smith loved playing the piano so he joined the church choir and took part in leading praise and worship. 

2. He Started Doing Drugs When He Was A Teenager   

Problems began when his group of friends, who were slightly older than him, went off to college. There was no more Bible study and other church-related activities, so the young Smith- who was in his early teens- had so much time in his hands with no company. 

Though he was playing in various bands in his hometown and would perform at different events, this singer slowly began to experiment with drugs and alcohol soon after high school. Amidst all this, his musical career was taking shape, getting better at playing the piano plus he began writing his music. 

3. Michael Dropped Out Of University   

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Smith enrolled for music studies at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. This move was short-lived because he dropped out after just one semester and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. His intention was to start a career in the music industry. 

At Nashville, Smith did various odd jobs to sustain himself while at the same time working on his musical talents. He performed with various bands and wrote songs for other artists. He was still struggling with alcohol. 

4. His Parents Did Not Give Up On Him 

When family members get derailed, getting into drugs and alcohol, our first reaction is to cut them off till they get their act together. It was different with the Smiths because they didn’t judge or neglect their son, but instead loved him back to the right path.

His parents continuously prayed for their son begging God to restore him. They never made him feel bad about himself and this touched Michael. The singer purposed to stop the alcohol and drug abuse, and even though he struggled with anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and insecurity, prayers and his faith in God worked wonders.

He recovered from alcoholism thanks to his faith in God and the support of his family. 

5. Michael Was A Keyboardist For Amy Grant  

, , via Wikimedia Commons

After recovery, Smith hit the ground running. He got a job as a songwriter for a publishing company where he wrote powerful hit songs for the likes of Sandi Patty and Bill Gaither. He also landed his first recording contract and did his first solo album. 

Smith played the keyboard for many singers including Amy Grant and was also her opening act in concerts. Some of the worship songs that he wrote are currently featured in hymn books worldwide. 

6. He Is An Award-winning Singer 

From the time he released his first album, The Michael W. Smith Project, in 1983, this singer has released another 23 albums, sold millions of records worldwide, and has had numerous hit singles on the Christian music charts. 

Most of his albums are nominated for awards and he has won multiple times. He has Grammys, Doves, and American music awards to his name, but he remains humble in all the greatness. Smith has a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. 

7. Michael Is A Family Man  

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Michael got married to his wife, Deborah Kay Davis, a songwriter by profession, in 1981. The couple has five children namely Ryan, Whitney, Tyler, Anna, and Emily. They are all active Christians and give back to society. 

8. He Is An Author 

Apart from writing songs, this singer also writes books. He has written many over the years, alone and also as a co-writer. Most of his books are about his Christian faith and his experiences as a musician and performer.

With over 10 publications, he encourages readers to embrace their faith and make a difference in the world around them. In other books, he offers practical advice on how to overcome fear and live boldly for Christ.  

He is a writer who gives a positive outlook, urging his readers to embrace their dreams and pursue their passions. 

9. Michael Has Acted In Movies 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

This singer has acted in several movies and appeared in television shows over the years. He acted in movies like The Second Chance and 90 Minutes in Heaven. In addition to these acting roles, Smith has also contributed music in the form of soundtracks to several films and television shows. 

10. He Is Philanthropic 

Michael gives back to society by helping children and the youth. He founded Rocketown, a youth outreach center in Nashville that provides a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to engage in creative activities. He also advocates for adoption to improve the lives of needy children.

He lives a Godly life, using his resources and platform to make a positive impact on the world.

Michael W. Smith continues to tour and record music and is one of the most skillful singers in contemporary Christian music today. His life is a reflection of what Christianity is about. 

Check out the most famous Christian singers and also read fact articles about Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs, and Cece Winans.