Michael Whitaker Smith, born on October 7, 1957, in West Virginia, is a prominent American musician known primarily for his contributions to contemporary Christian music. Growing up as the son of an oil refinery worker, Smith experienced a significant spiritual awakening in his youth that led him to a lifelong commitment to Christianity. His musical journey began in the local church choir, where he discovered his passion for music. Although he faced challenges, including struggles with addiction, an emotional turning point in 1979 solidified his re-dedication to his faith.

In 1982, Smith joined forces with fellow Christian artist Amy Grant as her keyboardist, paving the way for his own career. The following year, he released his debut album, The Michael W. Smith Project, which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance. His subsequent albums, Michael W. Smith 2 (1984) and The Big Picture (1986), furthered his reputation, but it was his 1990 breakthrough album, Go West Young Man, that truly catapulted him into mainstream success. The single “Place in This World” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Over the next two decades, Michael W. Smith continued to release a prolific array of albums, including Change Your World (1992), I’ll Lead You Home (1995), and Freedom (2000), showcasing his versatile musical style. He achieved notable hits such as “I Will Be Here for You” and “There She Stands.” The year 2017 saw the release of three albums: Hymns, Sovereign, and The Spirit of Christmas, the latter earning him a Dove Award for Christmas Album of the Year.

Smith's commercial success is reflected in his impressive career statistics, having sold over 18 million albums, 16 gold albums, and five platinum albums. He is a celebrated figure in Christian music, with three Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and an astonishing 45 Dove Awards to his name. His influence on the genre was recognized with ASCAP's "Golden Note" Award in 1999 and their "cornerstone of Christian music" honor in 2014.

In addition to his music career, Michael W. Smith is also an active philanthropist. He owns a teen club in Nashville, opened in 1994, which provides a venue for live performances and social events for young people. He supports various charities, including Compassion International, and has been recognized by People Magazine as one of the world's "Most Beautiful People."

Continuing to innovate, Smith released the single "A Million Lights" in 2017, marking a new direction in his sound, followed by the pop album of the same name in 2018. He also launched a children's book series, Nurturing Steps, in collaboration with VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki, and released his first children's album, Lullaby. His commitment to worship continues with the 2019 live worship album Awaken: The Surrounded Experience and Worship Forever, commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Most recently, in March 2024, Michael W. Smith released his worship EP Worthy is the Lamb, recorded at Belmont University, underscoring his enduring impact on the Christian music landscape. His career spans not only music but also literature and community engagement, reflecting his deep-rooted faith and commitment to inspiring others.