Michael Whitaker Smith American singer, songwriter, musician, composer and actor. Date of Birth: 07.10.1957 Country: USA

Michael Whitaker Smith: Biography

Michael Whitaker Smith is an American singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and actor. He is a three-time Grammy Award winner, receiving the prestigious music award in 1984, 1995, and 2002, as well as being a laureate of the American Music Award. With over 40 Dove Awards, Smith is considered one of the best-selling and most influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Additionally, he has achieved significant success in the mainstream music industry.

Born on October 7, 1957, in Kenova, West Virginia, Michael Whitaker Smith grew up with a father, Paul Smith, who worked at an oil refinery, and a mother, Barbara Smith, who served banquets and other events. He inherited his father's love for baseball and played in the Little League. As a child, Smith was deeply religious and studied the Bible, which led him to discover his passion for music through the church.

After his older friends from a Christian organization went off to college, Smith struggled with feelings of loneliness and alienation. After finishing high school, he developed a dependence on drugs and alcohol. Smith attended Marshall University for several semesters while writing songs. He played with local bands, and eventually, his friend Shane Keister, a session musician in Nashville, suggested that Smith move to the country music capital and pursue a music career.

In 1978, Smith relocated to Nashville and worked as a landscape designer while performing with local bands. During this time, he became increasingly consumed by his addictions to whiskey and marijuana. In November 1979, Smith experienced a nervous breakdown and exhaustion, which led him back to the church. The next day, he auditioned as a keyboardist for a new Christian group called "Higher Ground" and landed the job. While touring with "Higher Ground," primarily performing in churches, Smith was able to overcome his destructive habits.

In 1981, Smith signed a songwriting contract with Meadowgreen Music and composed several successful gospel hits. His songs were performed by renowned artists such as Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither, and Amy Grant. Some of these songs became part of church hymnals. In 1983, still performing as a keyboardist, Smith released his debut solo album, "The Michael W. Smith Project," on the Reunion Records label, earning a Grammy nomination. The following year, his second album, "Michael W. Smith 2," which had a stronger pop influence, was released, allowing Smith to embark on tours.

In 1986, Smith recorded the rock album "The Big Picture," which received critical acclaim and popularity among audiences. In 1989, he released his first Christmas album. From 1983 onwards, Michael Whitaker Smith has released 17 studio albums, 4 live albums, 3 compilations, 12 singles, and collaborated on 13 projects. His most recent Christmas album, "It's a Wonderful Christmas," was released in 2007, followed by the album "Wonder" in September 2010, after which Smith embarked on a concert tour.

Smith and his wife Deborah "Debbie" Kay Davis, who often assists him in songwriting, have five children: Ryan Whitaker Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring, Tyler Michael Smith (a keyboardist for the group "United Tour"), Anna Elizabeth Smith, and Emily Allison Smith. Smith resides in the suburbs of Nashville and spends much of his time on their family farm. In 1992, Alderson-Broaddus College awarded him an honorary doctorate in music. Politically, Smith is a committed Republican and has personal friendships with prominent Republican politicians, including former President George W. Bush.