Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 7, 1957 in Kenova, WV

 

Michael W. Smith is a renowned American composer, singer, and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary Christian music. He was born on October 7, 1957, in Kenova, West Virginia, to Paul and Barbara Smith. Michael grew up in a Christian family and was introduced to music at an early age. His father was a church choir director, and his mother played the piano. Michael's love for music grew as he began to play the piano and sing in his father's church choir. Michael's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he began to pursue music seriously in his teenage years. He attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he studied music theory and composition. During his time at Marshall, Michael began to write his own music and perform at local events. He also formed a band called Higher Ground, which played at churches and youth events. In 1981, Michael moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in music. He signed a contract with Meadowgreen Music, a Christian music publishing company, and began to write songs for other artists. Michael's breakthrough came in 1983 when he released his debut album, "Michael W. Smith Project." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Michael as a rising star in the Christian music industry. Over the next few years, Michael continued to release successful albums and singles. His music was known for its catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics, and powerful vocals. Michael's music also began to incorporate elements of classical music, which he had studied extensively in college. His 1986 album, "The Big Picture," featured a full orchestra and showcased Michael's talent for composing classical music. In 1990, Michael released his most successful album to date, "Go West Young Man." The album featured the hit singles "Place in this World" and "For You," which both reached the top of the Christian music charts. "Go West Young Man" also showcased Michael's growing interest in pop music, and it featured collaborations with popular pop producers such as David Foster and Humberto Gatica. Throughout the 1990s, Michael continued to release successful albums and singles. He also began to expand his career beyond music, appearing in films and television shows and writing books. In 1999, Michael released his first instrumental album, "Freedom," which featured his original compositions for orchestra and choir. In the 2000s, Michael continued to explore new musical styles and collaborations. He released several albums that featured collaborations with other artists, including "Worship Again" (2002) and "Stand" (2006). Michael also began to incorporate electronic music into his music, which he had been interested in since his college days. His 2008 album, "A New Hallelujah," featured electronic dance music elements and collaborations with popular electronic music producers. In recent years, Michael has continued to release new music and tour extensively. He has also become involved in philanthropic work, founding the Rocketown youth center in Nashville and supporting various charitable organizations. Michael's music has had a significant impact on the Christian music industry and has inspired countless fans around the world. His unique blend of classical, pop, and electronic music has made him one of the most innovative and influential composers of his generation.

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