In This Biography

Michael W. Smith Biography, Age, Networth, Education, Spouse

Michael Whitaker Smith was born in Kenova, West Virginia, on October 7, 1957, the son of an oil refinery worker and a caterer.

Michael W. Smith Quote

“I’ve been there and done all that, sold millions of records, and that doesn’t bring you peace.” (from Brainy Quotes)

Michael W. Smith Biography

At age 5 he wrote his first song. At age ten he gave his life to Christ and he spent the remainder of his youth with a group of strong Christian friends. However, once he was in college he found a new group of friends and started experimenting with alcohol, drugs and partying.

In 1978 he moved to Nashville to work as a songwriter and he quickly started playing music with a local band. A year later he hit bottom and recommitted his life to Christ.

In 1981, he signed to Meadowgreen Music as a staff writer. He joined Amy Grant’s band as a keyboardist in ’82 and the following year released his first album. Michael wrote all the music and his wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The release garnered him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance.

25+ years later he has become one of the best-known names in Christian music. Smitty has won several Dove and GRAMMY Awards, has topped Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million CDs. He has founded a teen club as well as a record label and written several books. In 2009 he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Michael W. Smith Facts

Michael is the husband of Debbie (since 1982) and the father of 5 children
33 Number One Hit Songs
Career sales over 18 million
2 Double-Platinum records
7 Platinum records
16 Gold records
Winner of 45 Dove Awards
Winner of 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations)
Founded Rocketown Records
Founded Rocketown Ministries
Named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”
National Spokesperson for Compassion International
Received the Apostelos Christou Award for Distinguished Christian Leadership in April 2008 at King’s College and Seminary

Michael W. Smith Fun

Who Sings “Above All?”
Who Sings “Here I Am to Worship?”

Michael W. Smith Dove Awards

Dove Male Vocalist of the Year – Michael has won this award once
Dove Artist of the Year – Michael has won this award three times
Dove Song of the Year – Michael has won this award twice
Dove Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – Michael has four of these
Dove Inspirational Song of the Year – and two of these with one Inspirational Album of the Year
Dove Praise and Worship Album of the Year – and four of these
Dove Christmas Album of the Year – Smitty won his first in 2015
Dove Instrumental Album of the Year – Michael won his first in 2013

Add in 20 more for videos, songwriting, special events albums and producing and you’re talking about a large trophy case!

Michael W. Smith News

Michael W. Smith Leaves Provident for Capitol Christian Music Group after 30 years (2013)
Michael W. Smith Concert Dates
President Bush Names Michael W. Smith To President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation
Michael made his big screen acting debut in February, 2006 in the movie The Second Chance
Come Thirsty with Max Lucado and Michael W. Smith – Sept. 2004
One Nation Tour – July 2004
Michael W. Smith Nominated for GRAMMY – Feb. 2004