Michael W. Smith

Biography

Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957) is an American musician who has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when "Place in This World×Place in This World1990 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Place in This World (edit/remix)3:382Place in This World (full remix)4:293Place in This World (LP version)4:01" hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums.
Smith is a three-time Grammy Award winner, an American Music Award recipient, and has earned 45 Dove Awards. In 1999, ASCAP awarded him with the "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting, and in 2014 they honored him as the "cornerstone of Christian music" for his significant influence on the genre. He also has recorded 31 No. 1 hit songs, 14 gold albums, and five platinum albums. He has also starred in two films and published 14 books including This Is Your Time, which he worked with Christian author Gary Thomas to write.

Early life

Michael Whitaker Smith was born to Paul W. (1932–2015) and Barbara (née Spradlin; 1934–2021) Smith in Kenova, West Virginia. He has one sister named Kimberly. His father was an oil refinery worker at the Ashland Oil Refinery, in nearby Catlettsburg, Kentucky. His mother was a caterer. He inherited his love of baseball from his father, who had played in the minor leagues. As a child, he developed a love of music through his church, First Baptist Church of Kenova, where he learned piano and sang in the New Generation church choir. At the age of 10, he had "an intense spiritual experience" that led to his becoming a devout Christian. "I wore this big cross around my neck," he would recall, "It was very real to me." He became involved in Bible study and found a group of older friends who shared his faith.
After his older Christian friends moved away to college, Smith began to struggle with feelings of loneliness and alienation. After graduating from high school, he gravitated toward alcohol and drugs. He attended Marshall University while developing his songwriting skills but dropped out after one semester. He also played with various local bands around Huntington, West Virginia. During that time, his friend Shane Keister, who worked as a session musician in Nashville, encouraged him to move to Nashville, the Country Music capital, and pursue a career in music.
In 1978, Smith moved to Nashville, taking a job as a landscaper to support himself. He played with several local bands in the Nashville club scene. He also developed a problem with substance abuse.

I really started losing touch when I moved to Nashville, around April of '78. I was smokin' marijuana, drinking, doing some other drugs; just being crazy, you know. My mom and dad knew what I was doing. But they never hassled me; they just prayed for me. And I felt convicted by God. Every time I'd wake up I knew: This isn't me. But I couldn't change myself.
After a breakdown in November 1979, Smith decided to recommit to Christianity. The next day he auditioned for a new contemporary Christian music (CCM) group, Higher Ground, as a keyboardist and got the job. His lead vocals were heard on much of CCM radio with the single, "I Am". It was on his first tour with Higher Ground, playing mostly in churches, that Smith was finally able to put the drugs and alcohol behind him.

Beginning (1981–1989)

In 1981, while he was playing keyboards for Higher Ground, Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he wrote numerous gospel hits penned for artists such as Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant, to the effect that some of these popular worship songs can now be found in church hymnals. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her Age to Age tour.
He became Grant's opening act and recorded his first Grammy-nominated solo album The Michael W. Smith Project×Michael W. Smith Project1983 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Sonata in D Major1:142You Need a Saviour3:373Could He Be the Messiah4:344Too Many Times4:295Be Strong and Courageous3:446Looking Up3:277The Race Is On3:438First Light/Love in the Light5:359Friends4:2210Great Is the Lord2:5511Alpha Overture3:44 (which he also produced himself) in 1983 on the Reunion Records label. This album contained the first recording of his hit "Friends", which he co-wrote with his wife Deborah. By the time Smith's second album Michael W. Smith 2×Michael W. Smith 21 February 1984 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1A Way3:542I Am Sure4:453End of the Book4:114I'm Up3:145Glorious Grace3:216Musical Instruments1:067Restless Heart5:038All I Need To Say4:239Wings of the Wind4:1610Hosanna2:29 was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. In 1986, Smith released The Big Picture.
After the release of his 1988 effort, i 2 (EYE), Smith once again collaborated with Grant for her "Lead Me On" world tour. The following year, Smith recorded his first Christmas album, simply titled Christmas×ChristmasJune 1989 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Overture / O Come All Ye Faithful5:392Lux Venit3:273Anthem for Christmas4:494First Snowfall2:435Christ the Messiah3:586No Eye Had Seen2:557All Is Well4:068Memoirs: A Trilogy The Voice, Good King Wenceslaus, Hark the Herald Angels Sing4:139Gloria5:1910Silent Night1:34 (1989).

Mainstream venture and inspirational pop albums (1990–1999)

In 1990, Smith released Go West Young Man, his first mainstream effort, which included the mainstream crossover hit single "Place in This World×Place in This World1990 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Place in This World (edit/remix)3:382Place in This World (full remix)4:293Place in This World (LP version)4:01". The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1992, he released Change Your World, which included the No. 1 adult contemporary hit "I Will Be Here for You". In 1993 Smith released his first box set, The Wonder Years and his first greatest hits album, The First Decade (1983–1993)×The First Decade (1983–1993)12 October 1993 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Do You Dream of Me4:192Kentucky Rose5:273Picture Perfect3:554I Will Be Here for You4:355Give It Away5:076Place in This World3:597Go West Young Man3:578Pray for Me3:539Secret Ambition6:2810Emily4:1911Old Enough to Know4:4812Rocketown4:3513I Am Sure4:4414Friends4:4115Great Is the Lord2:55. The latter also includes two new songs, "Do You Dream of Me?" and "Kentucky Rose".
In 1994, Smith appeared as a guest pianist on the album Swing, Swang, Swung by Christian rock band Guardian.
In 1995, Smith released his eighth album I'll Lead You Home×I'll Lead You Home29 August 1995 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Cry for Love5:112Breakdown5:273As It Is in Heaven5:094Straight to the Heart2:495Someday3:536I'll Be Around4:457I'll Lead You Home5:248The Other Side of Me4:249Breathe in Me3:5510Angels Unaware4:5711Calling Heaven4:5512A Little Stronger Everyday4:4413Crown Him With Many Crowns4:3314I'm Waiting for You3:13, which combines the pop style of his secular albums with a touch of religious feel. Live the Life (1998) and This Is Your Time (1999) follow the same style. In 1998, Smith also released his second Christmas album, Christmastime×Christmastime1 July 1998 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1The Happiest Christmas3:092Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells2:183Christmastime4:164Welcome to Our World3:285Hope of Israel3:186Sing We Now of Christmas / O Come O Come Emmanuel / Emmanuel5:277O Christmas Tree3:548Christmas Waltz3:009We Three Kings3:2310Away in a Manger / Child in the Manger5:0611Carols Sing2:1512I Saw Three Ships / Joy to the World5:37.
Smith collaborated with Jim Brickman on "Love of My Life", a romantic love song for Brickman's album Destiny in 1999. The song went to chart at No. 9 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. Also in 1999, he became the first Christian artist to receive the ASCAP "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement in songwriting.

Instrumental and live worship albums (2000–2003)

Nearly all of Smith's albums include at least one instrumental track, and in 2000 Smith recorded his first all instrumental album, Freedom×Freedom21 November 2000 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Freedom3:382The Offering1:273Carol Ann3:354The Giving3:195Hibernia4:476Letter to Sarah1:457Freedom Battle4:338Cry of the Heart2:239Prayer for Taylor3:0210The Call5:0211Thy Word3:3012Free Man3:56. The following year, Smith released his first all-worship music album, Worship×Worship11 September 2001 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Forever5:502The Heart of Worship6:153Draw Me Close4:154Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus3:125Open the Eyes of My Heart5:226Above All4:247Breathe6:578Let It Rain5:409Agnus Dei6:4110Awesome God4:4111More Love, More Power5:1012Purified4:3213Above All (Studio version)4:37, on September 11. This album was followed by a sequel, Worship Again×Worship Again22 October 2002 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Step by Step / Forever We Will Sing6:232You Are the Lord4:163The Wonderful Cross6:224Ancient Words4:365Lord Have Mercy5:156The Sacred Romance1:457I Can Hear Your Voice3:348I Give You My Heart3:269There Is None Like You2:1010I See You6:5711You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)6:0812Lord Have Mercy4:2613Here I Am to Worship4:5914There She Stands4:04 in 2002. Both albums were recorded live in concert. Worship Again also includes a song that Smith wrote called "There She Stands", inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks. He performed this song live for the 2004 Republican National Convention, saying that President George W. Bush, who he said is a fan and a family friend, had asked him to write a song about the attacks.
In 2002, Smith released a live concert DVD titled Worship, filmed live in Edmonton, Alberta at YC Alberta. The concert includes songs from both Worship (2001) and Worship Again (2002). It immediately topped the Billboard video charts and went gold in both the U.S. and Canada.
Smith won the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the GMA Music Awards in 2003. The same year he also released his second greatest hits album, The Second Decade (1993–2003)×The Second Decade (1993–2003)7 October 2003 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Signs4:372Missing Person5:073Cry for Love5:114This Is Your Time4:295Live the Life4:396Never Been Unloved4:437Love Me Good4:418Breakdown (RrrrB remix)5:279Straight to the Heart2:4610I’ll Lead You Home5:2111Above All (live version)4:3412You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)5:2013Friends 20034:5714Freedom3:3915Raging Sea3:15, which includes a new single called "Signs".

Contemporary Christian albums (2004–2010)

Smith's album, Healing Rain×Healing Rain26 October 2004 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Here I Am5:112Healing Rain4:593Live Forever5:194Hang On4:145Fly to the Moon5:206Human Spark4:517We Can't Wait Any Longer4:438I Am Love3:579Bridge Over Troubled Water4:4410Eagles Fly3:0811All I Want4:33, was released in 2004 and debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The title track rose to No. 1 on the Radio & Records Charts and a music video for the song was released. The album combines the pop style of his previous recordings with the religious feel of his two live worship albums. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. In 2006 he released Stand, which is similar to Healing Rain (2004) in style and genre but with more Christian-themed songs. Also in 2006, Smith did the score and soundtrack to the film The Second Chance, which he also starred in. He also released a single from the soundtrack album, "All in the Serve".
In October 2007, he released his third Christmas album, It's a Wonderful Christmas×It's a Wonderful Christmas16 October 2007 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Christmas Angels3:502It’s a Wonderful Christmas5:053The Promise5:064Song for the King4:195Christmas Day3:216A Highland Carol2:197Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah3:408What Child Is This2:529Son of God4:4810Audrey’s Gift1:5011All Year Long2:39. On June 20, 2008, Smith recorded his third live Worship album at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, titled A New Hallelujah×A New Hallelujah24 October 2008 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 18 tracks1Prepare Ye The Way6:052A New Hallelujah5:223When I Think Of You4:144Mighty To Save8:345Shout Unto God3:286Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)6:157Deep In Love With You6:338Healing Rain / Let It Rain3:209Majesty4:1910I Surrender All3:5211Grace4:2112Michael W. Smith Sharing1:4413Help Is On The Way5:1714The River Is Rising5:4015Oh Draw Me Lord (Draw Me Near)2:4516Love In His Right Hand3:5717A New Hallelujah (Radio Version)4:3118A New Hallelujah (Live Radio Edit)4:43. It was released in October 2008. That same month he began a tour with Steven Curtis Chapman. In September 2010, he released Wonder, which follows the CCM style of Healing Rain (2004) and Stand (2006).

Orchestral instrumental, hymns, and studio worship albums (2011–2016)

Smith's second instrumental album, Glory×Glory21 November 2011 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Glory Overture5:312Patriot2:553Heroes5:524Forever4:035The Blessing3:386Whitaker's Wonder3:077Joy Follows Suffering3:088Glory Battle4:229Atonement3:5110Redemption5:3511The Romance3:2912The Tribute / Agnus Dei6:52, was released on November 22, 2011. Unlike his first instrumental album, Freedom×Freedom21 November 2000 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Freedom3:382The Offering1:273Carol Ann3:354The Giving3:195Hibernia4:476Letter to Sarah1:457Freedom Battle4:338Cry of the Heart2:239Prayer for Taylor3:0210The Call5:0211Thy Word3:3012Free Man3:56 (2000), this album features a 65-piece orchestra recorded at AIR Studios Lyndhurst Hall in London and Wildwood Recording Studio in Nashville. The following year he released his third compilation album, Decades of Worship×Decades of Worship2012 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Awesome God3:182Mighty to Save7:573Agnus Dei6:584You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)5:125Breathe6:386A New Hallelujah5:257Above All4:278I See You5:249Here I Am to Worship4:5410Healing Rain4:5511Take Me Over5:3812Great Is the Lord2:56 (2012).
Smith's concert in Draper, Utah, on July 24, 2012 was almost canceled due to a complaint filed by a Utah resident on July 16, 2012. He claimed that a show "conflated with prayer and worship" should remain in church or private property, not in the "public's backyard". The following day the city council decided to cancel the concert, but a day later they decided to host the show as planned after all, following a criticism from a Utah evangelical group that equated cancelling the concert to an assault on religious liberty. The Mayor of Draper and several city council members were present at the event and were recognized for their support.

In 2014, Smith released three albums, Hymns×Hymns24 March 2014 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1The Old Rugged Cross4:022My Jesus I Love Thee3:213Were You There3:214Victory in Jesus3:465How Great Thou Art4:226Just as I Am3:127Near the Cross3:378It Is Well5:059Softly and Tenderly3:2110When I Survey the Wondrous Cross3:3511What a Friend We Have in Jesus4:0812Wonderful, Merciful Savior3:2013Great Is Thy Faithfulness3:5414God of Our Fathers2:2415The Lord Bless You and Keep You1:40, Sovereign×Sovereign13 May 2014 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1You Won't Let Go3:592Heaven Come Down3:503Miracle4:194Sky Spills Over4:055All Arise4:406You Are the Fire4:307Christ Be All Around Me5:248Sovereign Over Us5:549Hide Myself4:2310The Same Power4:2511I Lay Me Down4:0912The One That Really Matters7:00, and The Spirit of Christmas×The Spirit of Christmas30 September 2014 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1The Miracle of Christmas1:432It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year2:383Happy Holiday / Holiday Season (medley)3:074Christmas Time Is Here3:015White Christmas3:496Somewhere in My Memory3:227The Spirit of Christmas (medley)5:228Silent Night4:199What Child Is This4:2010Almost There3:3811All Is Well3:5512Christmas Day3:1413The Darkest Midnight1:4014Peace3:11. Hymns is Smith's first effort at doing his own rendition of traditional hymns, and it was released exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on March 24, 2014. The album sold 12,000 copies in its first week of release and debuted at No. 24 on the US Billboard 200. It was also the best-selling Christian music album for the week of April 19, 2014, and won a 2014 Dove Award for "Inspirational Album of the Year". Sovereign, released on May 13, 2014, is his first studio worship album and his first album released through Capitol Records, after leaving his long-time label Reunion Records in 2013. The album sold almost 16,000 copies in its first week, and debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album in his career as of 2014. The Spirit of Christmas, officially released as Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, is Smith's first duet album. Released on September 30, 2014, it features duets with Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Bono, Amy Grant, and Michael McDonald. The album marks Smith's third new album in 2014 to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 16 as of December 2014. It also won a 2015 Dove Award for "Christmas Album of the Year".
Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as the "cornerstone of Christian music" by ASCAP in 2014 for his significant influence on the genre. In 2015, Smith and his son Tyler wrote the score and soundtrack for the film 90 Minutes in Heaven, in which he also has a small acting role.
In November 2015, Smith and Amy Grant started their annual Christmas tour again after a roughly 15-year break.
Smith's second hymns album, called Hymns II×Hymns II29 January 2016 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 16 tracks1Down to the River to Pray3:162I Need Thee4:183Jesus, Only Jesus4:094Turn Your Eyes onto Jesus4:365I’ll Fly Away2:216His Eye is on the Sparrow4:127I Don't Know Why (Jesus Loves Me)3:198Shine on Us3:599Nearer My God to Thee5:1310Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)11I'd Rather Have Jesus12O Sacred Head, Now Wounded13Be Still My Soul14Great Is The Lord15A Mighty Fortress is our God16America the Beautiful (O Beautiful for Spacious Skies) – Shine on Us, was released on January 29, 2016. Like his first hymns album released in 2014, the album was sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
On June 21, 2016, Smith released a new single titled "He Will Never End" which was originally released in March 2016 as a bonus track on the Target exclusive edition of The Passion: New Orleans soundtrack CD (2016). On June 27, 2016, he released the music video for the single which was filmed entirely in Israel in April 2016.
Later in 2016, Smith released a Christmas musical project in a collaboration with Wes King, Bradley Knight, and Luke Gambill called Almost There – A Christmas Musical. The musical is named after a song Smith wrote a few years earlier for his Christmas album The Spirit of Christmas×ChristmasJune 1989 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Overture / O Come All Ye Faithful5:392Lux Venit3:273Anthem for Christmas4:494First Snowfall2:435Christ the Messiah3:586No Eye Had Seen2:557All Is Well4:068Memoirs: A Trilogy The Voice, Good King Wenceslaus, Hark the Herald Angels Sing4:139Gloria5:1910Silent Night1:34 (2014).

A Million Lights and Surrounded (2017–present)

On August 11, 2017, Smith released a new single, "A Million Lights×A Million Lights16 February 2018 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1A Million Lights3:362Conversation4:033Something in My Heart3:274Footsteps3:365Your Love3:556Love Always Wins3:457Crashing Waves4:188Louder3:509Revolution3:0310Hey Love3:4611You Make Me Feel This Way3:2512Forgive4:0913Who You Are4:19", which marks a departure from his previous sound. It is the lead single and title track from his pop album released on February 16, 2018. A week after, on February 23, 2018, Smith released another album called Surrounded×Surrounded23 February 2018 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Your House4:562Light to You6:043King of My Heart4:014Reckless Love8:515Here I Bow4:466Miracles8:557Do It Again6:088Surrounded (Fight My Battles)5:009Build My Life7:1110Washed Away6:2211Great Are You Lord4:3812Light to You (Reprise)3:16 which is his first live worship×Worship11 September 2001 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Forever5:502The Heart of Worship6:153Draw Me Close4:154Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus3:125Open the Eyes of My Heart5:226Above All4:247Breathe6:578Let It Rain5:409Agnus Dei6:4110Awesome God4:4111More Love, More Power5:1012Purified4:3213Above All (Studio version)4:37 album in ten years. The two albums became his 30th and 31st top 10 entries in Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart, the most among solo artists in the span of his career.
In May 2018, Smith launched a new children's book series, Nurturing Steps, which he created with VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki. The first book, Nighty Night and Good Night, was released May 8. He also released his first children's album, Lullaby×Lullaby4 May 2018 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 27 tracks1Brahms’ Lullaby (Partial)1:352Anna Can’t Sleep (Dialogue)0:243Nighty Nights' Theme Song Fast0:294Nighty Nights' Theme Song Slow0:585We’re Here To Help You Sleep! (Dialogue)0:416Anna2:407The Bible Song1:418Anna Is Still Awake (Dialogue)0:339Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star1:4310Rock-A-Bye Baby1:5411Jesus Loves Me2:1112Phone Call For Sleepy Puppy (Dialogue)0:3913Sleep Tight2:0114No More Crying2:4115Agnus Dei3:2616Friends2:2417Anna Is Almost Asleep (Dialogue)0:1918Brahms’ Lullaby (Full)3:4619Until Next Time! Goodnight! (Dialogue)0:2520Nighty Nights' Theme Song Slow (Reprise)1:1921Nighty Nights' Theme Song Slow (Instrumental)0:4922The Bible Song (Instrumental)1:4623Jesus Loves Me (Instrumental)2:1224Sleep Tight (Instrumental)2:0125No More Crying (Instrumental)2:3926Brahms’ Lullaby (Instrumental)3:4827Nighty Nights' Theme Song Slow (Reprise Instrumental)1:18, to accompany the book.
On August 30, 2018, Smith hosted a free event at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena called "Surrounded: A Night to Pray, Worship and Be Awakened". The event was broadcast in October 2018 on TBN in 175 countries worldwide.
On February 22, 2019, Smith released Awaken: The Surrounded Experience, a live worship album.
Smith released a live album of worship music, Worship Forever×Worship Forever10 September 2021 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Forever (live)6:352Heart of Worship (live)5:403Draw Me Close (live)4:174Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (live)2:535Open the Eyes of My Heart (live)4:126Above All (live)4:277Breathe (live)6:138Let It Rain (live)5:349Agnus Dei (live)5:3010Awesome God (live)5:1911More Love, More Power (live)6:0612Surrounded / Waymaker (live)6:2913The Blessing (live)0:3314Forever (reprise) (live)3:1715Sing Again4:55, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, which is also the date in which his original album Worship was released. It was also accompanied by a live concert on TBN.
In March 2024, Smith released his worship EP Worthy is the Lamb which was recorded at Belmont University.
In April 2025, Smith released the single "Arms Around the Sun"

Acting career

In 1994, Smith made his acting debut as Billy Holden in Secret Adventures: "Shrug". In 2006, Smith was the lead actor in The Second Chance, a film directed by Steve Taylor. He also did some of the score and soundtrack for this film.
In 2015, Smith starred as Cliff McArdle in the film adaptation of the best-selling book 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. In addition, he collaborated with his son on the score and soundtrack for this film.
Smith also starred as James the disciple in The Passion, a live musical film that was aired on FOX on March 20, 2016.

Other ventures

In 1994, Smith opened a teen club, named Rocketown, in Nashville, Tennessee (6th Avenue). Later in early 2003, the club was moved to a new location—a renovated warehouse in downtown Nashville. The venue offers a large dance floor, extensive indoor skate park, and a café hosting live acoustic music.
In 1996, Smith opened his own record label, Rocketown Records. The label was named after a song on his third album The Big Picture×The Big Picture1985 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Lamu5:592Wired for Sound6:013Old Enough to Know4:484Pursuit of the Dream5:135Rocketown4:356Voices5:527The Last Letter4:498Goin' Thru the Motions4:569Tearin' Down the Wall3:3110You're Alright5:18. The first artist signed was Chris Rice, who had written "Go Light Your World", a No. 1 hit song by Kathy Troccoli, in 1995. Smith did not record under the label himself until 2018.
Smith is actively involved in volunteer service and is vice chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, which is chaired by Jean Case of the Case Foundation. He is also an avid spokesperson for sponsoring children through Compassion International.
Smith was active in Billy Graham Crusades as well as Samaritan's Purse. Smith sang "Just As I Am" in a tribute to Graham at the 44th GMA Dove Awards. He also sang it at the memorial service honoring Graham at the United States Capitol rotunda on February 28, 2018.

Personal life

Smith is married to Deborah "Debbie" Kay Davis and has five children, including filmmaker Ryan Whitaker Smith.
He lives in the Nashville suburbs. Smith attended Belmont Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and is mentored by its long-time pastor, Don Finto. Smith is also the founding pastor of New River Fellowship Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where he was the lead pastor from 2006 to 2008. His current primary association is with Gateway Church (specifically the Franklin/Nashville area campuses).
Smith was a friend of former president George H. W. Bush and is a friend of his son, former president George W. Bush. Smith was invited to play at the 2004 Republican National Convention singing "There She Stands", as well as the state funeral of George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2018, singing "Friends".
Smith is also friends with U2 singer Bono, who was a guest on Smith’s Spirit of Christmas album; they also collaborated on the One Campaign.
Alderson-Broaddus College awarded Smith the degree Doctorate of Music honoris causa in 1992.
Smith was also named one of People magazine's "Most Beautiful People" in 1992.
In 2018, he performed at Billy Graham's memorial and funeral.
In June 2019, Smith signed a declaration by Franklin Graham calling for a special day of prayer for President Donald Trump, that God would protect, strengthen, embolden, and direct him.
In 2023, Smith asked Ohioans to vote against the Issue 1 ballot measure to enshrine contraception and abortion in the state constitution, calling it a "spiritual battle".
Smith has been a worship leader at TheCall events, large prophetic prayer rallies founded by Lou Engle and Ché Ahn.

Audio books

The Gospels Come to Life. Irving, Texas: Gospels Come to Life, 2003.