Michael W. Smith Bio: Wife, Songs, Net Worth, Albums, Age, Children, Lyrics, Height, Parents

Biography

Michael W. Smith, born Michael Whitaker Smith on October 7, 1957, in Kenova, West Virginia, is an influential American musician, songwriter, and actor best known for impacting contemporary Christian music (CCM) and pop. Smith‘s career began in the early 1980s when he joined the band Higher Ground, which later transitioned into the Michael W. Smith Band.

He launched his solo career with the release of Michael W. Smith Project in 1983, which included the iconic hit “Friends.” Over the years, Smith has released numerous albums, sold over 15 million units globally, and earned multiple Grammy and Dove Awards. Some of his most popular songs include “Place in This World,” “Secret Ambition,” and “I Will Be Here for You.”

In addition to music, Smith has pursued acting, notably starring in the film The Second Chance, for which he also contributed to the soundtrack. He is also known for his philanthropy, actively supporting organizations like Compassion International and World Vision, whose efforts focus on improving children’s welfare worldwide.

American musician

Michael W. Smith
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Michael Whitaker Smith
Stage Name:	Michael W. Smith
Born:	7 October 1957 (age 66 years old)
Place of Birth:	Kenova, West Virginia, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Marshall University
Height:	1.85 m
Parents:	Barbara Smith, Paul Smith
Siblings:	Kim Smith
Spouse:	Deborah Kay Davis (m. 1981)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Tyler Michael Smith, Ryan Smith, Emily Allison Smith, Anna Elizabeth Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring
Occupation:	Musician • Actor
Net Worth:	$14 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Michael W. Smith was born in Kenova, West Virginia, on October 7, 1957, into a Christian household that would significantly shape his future music career. He is of Caucasian ethnicity, and his parents, Paul Smith and Barbara Smith, provided a modest upbringing. His father worked as a coal miner. Michael grew up alongside his sister, Kim Smith.

Smith’s musical journey began early. He started playing piano at the age of 7 and performed regularly at church events and local gatherings. His deep connection to church music and faith laid the foundation for his passion for blending music with his Christian beliefs.

Though he initially attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, Smith left to pursue his musical ambitions before completing his degree. His move to Nashville in the late 1970s marked the start of his professional career. Before gaining fame as a solo artist, he was part of the band Higher Ground, which played a pivotal role in developing the contemporary Christian music (CCM) genre.

Smith’s family background, early musical influences, and the decision to focus on his faith-driven music career ultimately propelled him to become one of the most influential figures in Christian music.

Career

Michael W. Smith’s professional music career began in the late 1970s when he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, joining the band Higher Ground. This early experience helped shape the emerging contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene, setting it apart from traditional gospel. His solo breakthrough came in 1983 with the release of The Michael W. Smith Project, which featured the iconic song “Friends.” The album blended pop with CCM elements, establishing the sound that defined his career.

Throughout the 1980s, Smith gained recognition for his solo work and contributions to worship music. Albums like Worship (1986) and I 2 (EYE) (1988) solidified his reputation as a worship leader, with tracks such as “Great Is the Lord” becoming church staples worldwide. In the 1990s, his music increasingly crossed over into mainstream pop, especially with his 1990 album Go West Young Man, which featured the hit single “Place in This World.” This song reached the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his ability to appeal to both Christian and secular audiences while staying true to his faith.

Smith’s genre-blending success earned him multiple Grammy Awards, and his 1992 album Change Your World was particularly notable, with the single “I Will Be Here for You” resonating widely. Over the years, he has continued to release diverse music, ranging from worship-focused albums to more pop-oriented projects. Albums like Freedom (2000) and Healing Rain (2004) highlight his versatility, combining spiritual themes with contemporary sounds. His live performances, documented in albums such as Live the Life (1998) and Worship Again (2002), are known for their energy and authenticity, drawing a wide fan base.

In recent years, Smith has focused on legacy projects, including collaborations and reinterpretations of classic hymns with modern arrangements in albums like Hymns (2014) and Hymns II (2016). He has also ventured into children’s music, releasing albums and DVDs aimed at younger audiences, aligning with his charitable work for organizations like Compassion International.

Along with numerous Grammy and Dove Awards, Smith has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre. He has also dabbled in acting, notably starring in the film The Second Chance, where he also contributed to the soundtrack. Smith’s career continues to inspire, blending worship, pop, and philanthropy.

Social Media

• Facebook: Michael W. Smith
• Wikipedia: Michael W. Smith
• YouTube: Michael W. Smith
• Twitter: Michael W. Smith (@michaelwsmith) / X

Personal Life

Michael W. Smith has been married to Deborah Kay Davis since September 5, 1981. They met in 1981 at a recording studio, and Michael was instantly smitten, which led to their marriage the same year. Their marriage has lasted over 40 years, showcasing a personal and professional long-standing partnership, with Deborah often described as the woman behind Michael‘s success.

Michael and Deborah have five children: Ryan Smith, Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring, Anna Elizabeth Smith, Emily Allison Smith, and Tyler Michael Smith. They also have grandchildren, who are Audrey Kay Smith and Whitaker Corin Smith.

Michael W. Smith stands at approximately 6 feet tall. His dating history is not extensively documented beyond his marriage to Deborah Davis, reflecting his commitment to his wife and family.

Net Worth

Michael W. Smith, a celebrated figure in contemporary Christian music, has built a substantial net worth over his long and successful career. As of recent estimates, his net worth is approximately $14 million, derived from his album sales, concert tours, and various musical ventures, including his crossover into mainstream pop.

Spanning more than four decades, Smith’s career has been defined by top-selling albums and prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. His unique ability to blend Christian music with mainstream elements has expanded his fan base and contributed significantly to his financial success. Albums such as I’ll Lead You Home and Healing Rain have topped Christian music charts and achieved gold and platinum certifications, boosting his financial standing.

Beyond his music, Smith’s net worth is further supported by his live performances, television appearances, and his work as a songwriter and producer, making him a versatile and influential figure in the industry.

Discography

Here’s a list of a significant portion of Michael W. Smith’s body of work, focusing on his albums, notable songs, and other contributions:

Albums

• “The Michael W. Smith Project” (1983)
• “Michael W. Smith 2” (1984)
• “The Big Picture” (1986)
• “Worship” (1986)
• “I 2 (EYE)” (1988)
• “Go West Young Man” (1990)
• “Change Your World” (1992)
• “I’ll Lead You Home” (1993)
• “Live the Life” (1998)
• “This Is Your Time” (1999)
• “Freedom” (2000)
• “Worship Again” (2002)
• “Healing Rain” (2004)
• “Stand” (2006)
• “Wonderful Merchant” (2008)
• “A New Hallelujah” (2010)
• “Hymns” (2014)
• “Hymns II” (2016)
• “Surrounded” (2017)
• “Awakening” (2020)

Notable Songs

• “Friends”
• “Place in This World”
• “I Will Be Here for You”
• “Secret Ambition”
• “Great Is the Lord”
• “Above All”
• “Healing Rain”
• “Breathe”
• “Agnus Dei”
• “Open the Eyes of My Heart”
• “Hosanna”
• “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)”
• “Agnus Dei (Instrumental)”

Compilations and Special Projects

• “The First Decade” – Greatest Hits album.
• “Worship: The Very Best of Michael W. Smith” – Compilation of worship songs.
• “The Second Chance” – Soundtrack for the film in which he also acted.

Live Albums

• “Live the Life”
• “Worship Again: Live from Nashville”

Christmas Albums

• “Christmas” (1989)
• “Christmastime” (2002)
• “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” (2007)

Children’s Music

• “Rocketown Kids” series

Soundtracks

• Contributions to various film soundtracks, including “The Second Chance.”

Collaborations and Special Releases

• “Symphonic Worship” with the London Symphony Orchestra.
• “Hymns” and “Hymns II” reinterpreting classic hymns.