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Biography
Born in West Virginia, Smith developed his interest in music through his interaction with the church, learning piano and singing in the choir at an early age. After a 'spiritual experience' at the age of ten, he became a devout Christian, becoming heavily involved with bible study groups.
Developing his songwriting skills during his time at High School and College, Smith decided to move to Nashville in order to pursue a career in music, gaining support from his friend Shane Keister, who was an established session musician there.
In 1981, he signed to Meadowgreen Music, writing gospel hits and worship songs for various artists. After performing as the opening act for Amy Grant, he signed to Reunion Records to release his debut album, titled "The Michael W. Smith Project" in 1983. The album brought him huge success, including a Grammy nomination.
In 1990, Smith achieved a crossover success with the single, "Place in This World," from the album, "Go West Young Man," which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1992, he went even further and managed a number one hit with "Change Your World." His success continued with his following releases, creating 22 albums by 2014.
Smith also created an entirely instrumental album, titled "Freedom," released in 2000, featuring a vary of instrumentalists to create its epic sound. Following this, he moved towards christian worship music with his two albums "Worship" and "Worship Again" in 2001 and 2002. Smith wrote a song inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks, titled "There She Stands" at the request of then president George W. Bush. He has also released four Christmas albums, reinterpreting the traditional Christmas songbook with his own inimitable style.
Michael W. Smith is definitely one of the biggest names on the American Christian music scene and his success has been awarded with several awards throughout his career. He has achieved three Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance in 1984, Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 1995 and Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2002. As well as the Grammys, he has won a whole host of awards from the Dove Awards and the American Music Awards.
Live reviews
Michael W. Smith, a contemporary Christian singer, has had some mainstream success. But his real roots are in spiritual, Christian music, and this reflects in concerts such as "A New Hallelujah". His songs are deeply spiritual, about God, Jesus, and Christian beliefs. You will feel the spirit wash over you as you attend his concerts and listen to his lyrics and music. God is in the music and he brings that to each and every concert and show he puts on.
Michael clearly has a blessing in his spirit for his music - not only does he have the spirit, but he has the musical talent to back it up. His band does a wonderful job with some pretty spectacularly written sounds. His voice, though, is the real stand out. It is silky, smooth, and makes you feel at peace. Attending a Michael W. Smith concert is like going to the most peaceful church service you will ever attend. You will leave feeling refreshed, at ease, full of spirit and alive in all ways. I cannot recommend attending a Michael W. Smith concert enough to everybody who is interested. It is all about God and the spirit, not about his ego or anything else, it is the perfect contemporary Christian concert.
With a career entering its fourth decade and record sales of over 18 million, there is no doubt Christian rock musician Michael W. Smith has no issues selling out large venues to his devoted following. Despite the musician fast approaching his 60th birthday, it appears performing has kept him young as he approaches the stage with visible excited energy.
Fans old and new attend this evening to see the well tuned musician play live as he hand selects his best work from a discography of 20 studio albums. He is an affable and ardent frontman who allows his love for music and christianity to really shine through both by his performance and his onstage chatter. The audience is onside from the beginning and sing intently to the choruses of early track 'Friends'. The whole stage setup is now large to reflect Smith's success and all the musicians, backing vocalists and extras come together for a dramatic, celebratory and proud rendition of 'Open the Eyes of My Heart' which rounds off a truly spiritual, joyous evening really well.
sean-ward
I enjoyed seeing Michael W. Smith perform last night. It was a pleasant surprise that he opened the show! He is always a joy to hear and very entertaining. The one thing I would have to say that could have improved his part in the show was the sound system. It was sort of muffled which overpowered the clarity of Michael's voice. Other than that, I loved seeing Michael W. Smith - this was my fourth or fifth time seeing him live. His piano skills are awesome!
pattyd
It was wonderful very moving God convicted mr of a few things that he needs me to work on. The holy spirit was so strong in that arena that it almost dropped me to my knees. We have such amazing people that brought God into that place and I am grateful that I was there to experience that. Thank you so very much. The Carter's
mindy-carter-1
AMAZING show what a way to start the show with the Show STOPPER!!
His music is always fresh and has meaningful messages.
Been a fan since day 1 and he still sounds as great. Love the piano playing and feeling like it was a private concert.
Cant wait till the next concert. Keep bringing the amazing message and music
anne-woodruff-herloc
What an amazing evening.
I loved the show. Michael W Smith is so humble and down to earth. He allowed his back up singers there moments in the spotlight. His introduction to some of the songs was awesome and also gave a sense of intimacy to the show.
Loved every minute and was worth every cents.
simon-trollip
Michael started his concert about 8:15 and did not stop singing until 10:20, two hours and five minutes of God filled anointed praise and worship.
Michael is a servant of the most high. I pray that I can see him again in the near future.
Craig & Mirtha West
craig-west
I came from France on purpose for the concert in London, it was the first time I saw michael w smith live . it was an incredible experience, more than a concert, for a while it was the open sky ... thank you Michael, God bless you
pedro-ferreira-21
The concert was absolutely amazing. I loved loved it! So inspiring.love his music and love his piano playing. It's absolutely amazing. I'm so grateful I got to go to the concert. Grateful he came to Kearney NE!!
betty-heggemeyer
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