Michael W. Smith Performs 'Friends' at President Bush Memorial Service

Michael W. Smith had the special honor of performing his iconic song "Friends" at the funeral of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. 

"Michael is honored to have been asked to perform a song at President George H. W. Bush's memorial service on Wednesday, December 5th in Washington D.C. Michael has been a long-time friend of the Bush Family with a particularly strong connection to our 41st President whom he met in the 1980's," his team posted. Michael also shared a video of the rehearsal. 

“The Greatest Night in the History of Contemporary Christian Music”

The “We Will Stand” event is being billed as “The Greatest Night in the History of Contemporary Christian Music” and will be broadcast online live Wednesday, January 21, starting at 6pm CST at live.ccmunited.com. It will also be recorded and released as a DVD and companion CD.

“We Will Stand” features 28 artists including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Petra, Steven Curtis Chapman, Russ Taff and many more together with today’s CCM top artists including Francesca Battistelli and Kari Jobe for an evening of hit songs and performances that have changed countless lives for four decades. 

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas Surges in Album Sales Following CMA Country Christmas Performance

Michael W. Smith knew something special had happened following his performance with Carrie Underwood on the CMA Country Christmas special. "What a moment - it made my hair stand up a little bit!" he said to PEOPLE Magazine backstage at the taping of the show in Nashville. The performance, along with a showering of media praise, led to nearly a 150% increase in album sales this week for his new Christmas project - Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas.

Smith's live performances with Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town helped solidify a Top 4 position on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. The Spirit of Christmas will remain there this week in the peak of Christmas shopping season amongst Michael Buble, Idina Menzel and Pentatonix. The Christmas project - which also features Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald - broke into the Top 10 Overall Albums on iTunes, helping secure a No. 16 spot on the Billboard 200 and a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian/Gospel Albums charts this week.

Michael W. Smith to Perform with Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town on CMA Country Christmas special

Three-time GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith will perform on the CMA Country Christmas special to air on ABC on Monday, December 1 at 8/7c. Smith will perform two tracks off of his top-selling Christmas album - Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas - and joining him on stage will be CMA Awards host Carrie Underwood and the newly inducted Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town. Smith made his CMA Country Christmas debut in 2013, performing with host Jennifer Nettles. Smith will perform his original song "All Is Well" with Underwood and the beloved Christmas classic "Silent Night" with Little Big Town. The 2014 CMA Country Christmas special will also feature performances by Leann Rimes, Idina Menzel, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Steven Tyler and more.

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas released only a few short weeks ago, quickly hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. The album features a plethora of A-list guests - including the aforementioned Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town, as well as Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald. Huffington Post led the critical praise, calling the album an early "favorite Yuletide effort" and an instant "Christmas classic."

Bono and Other A-List Stars Join Michael W. Smith on New Christmas Record

Three-time Grammy winner Michael W. Smith announced the September 30 release of Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, featuring an all-star lineup of guests - Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald.

Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas is Smith's fourth Christmas project, following the successful releases of Michael W. Smith Christmas (1989), Christmastime (1998) and It's A Wonderful Christmas (2007).

"This is the most unique and unusual record I've ever done in my 31-year career. The entire record was sequenced together before we recorded one song," recalls Smith. "Sonically you're hearing me in a way that you've probably never heard me before. At one point it's like Smitty meets Bublé. There's my granddaughter's voice singing the song from 'Home Alone,' plus the whole orchestral and symphonic feeling of Christmas, mixed together with all these amazing voices and guests - yet it all fits together in a remarkable way."

Eager to create a one-of-a-kind project to be played at Christmastime for years to come, Smith and co-producer Robert Deaton were inspired by the original Carpenters Christmas album, wanting nostalgia to hit listeners right at the top of the record. Thematically, the album is uniquely divided into three sections, creating an overall arc to the recording. Beginning with the childlike and wintry aspects of the start of the Christmas season, the collection evolves with songs and instrumentation reflecting the true meaning of Christmas with the celebration of family and faith, concluding with what Christmas brought to the world, the birth of Jesus.

Dancing With the Stars Finalist Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West to Host K-LOVE Fan Awards at Grand Ole Opry

TV star and current Dancing With the Stars finalist Candace Cameron Bure and Grammy-nominated Matthew West will host the K-LOVE Fan Awards on Sunday, June 1 at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Voting for the K-LOVE Fan Awards is open now until Midnight ET on Saturday, May 31. Partnering with World Hope to aid in revival efforts for the city of Detroit, MI., every half a million votes cast for the Fan Awards will unlock a newly remodeled home for a family in need in Detroit, with a goal of two million votes and four homes total. The first week of voting alone eclipsed 500,000 votes, unlocking the first home.

Winners will be announced live at the awards show in the categories of music, sports, books and movies.

Last week, K-LOVE announced key performers for the award show includingy Chris Tomlin, Hillsong UNITED, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and many more.

This year, fans will have more opportunities than ever to see and interact with their favorite Christian music artists at the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend. Starting Friday night, May 30, the weekend will start with a bang at the official Weekend Kickoff Concert, featuring performances by Tenth Avenue North, Switchfoot, for KING & COUNTRY, Rend Collective and a surprise headlining artist.

All weekend, fans will be able to participate in the first ever K-LOVE Fan Zone, which will feature a variety of fan-focused events including tours of Jeremy Camp's tour bus, celebrity basketball games, autograph sessions and more. Saturday night will end with the new Songwriters Spotlight, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman. On Sunday, Michael W. Smith will start the day off with a special Worship Service at the Opryland Resort. The events of the day will lead to the official K-LOVE Fan Awards Show nearby at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Michael W. Smith Charts with Limited Release

Despite being available exclusively at Cracker Barrel locations and CrackerBarrel.com, Michael W. Smith still was able to debut at  No. 25 on Nielsen SoundScan's Top Current Albums Chart with his latest album Hymns. It also debuted at No. 2 on Nielsen SoundScan's Top Current Contemporary Christian Album Chart.

Michael W. Smith Releases First Hymn Project

Just in time for the Easter season, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced the release of Hymns, Michael W. Smith's newest album, which will be available on March 24 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations and online at crackerbarrel.com & select digital retailers. This is the first time in his legendary career that Smith has recorded an album of traditional hymns, including many that he sang in church when he was young

"I first heard many of these hymns when I attended First Baptist Church in Kenova, West Virginia with my Mom, Dad, and sister Kimberly," said Smith. "The message of the songs combined with the timeless music helped build the foundation of my Christian beliefs. I have always wanted to record an album of hymns, and am thankful that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store wanted to share it with their guests."

The album features timeless Christian classics, with songs ranging in creation date from 1708 ("When I Survey the Wondrous Cross") to 1989 ("Wonderful, Merciful Savior"). The remaining thirteen songs were written between 1840 and 1953.

Music for Your Holiday Season: Don't Miss These Best Ever Albums

Amended and expanded list based on new releases and continued consumption:

25 Best Christmas CDs of All Time

25. Bryan Duncan - A Nehosoul Christmas
24. Harry Connick Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
23. Michael McDonald - In the Spirit
22. Relient K - Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer
21. Jewel - Joy: A Holiday Collection
20. Faith Hill - Joy to the World
19. BarlowGirl - Home for Christmas
18. MercyMe - The Christmas Sessions
17. Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs
16. Amy Grant - A Christmas Album
15. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
14. Michael W. Smith - Christmas
13. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
12. Ginny Owens - Bring Us Peace
11. Elvis Presley - It's Christmas Time
10. Russ Taff - A Christmas Song
9. Avalon - Joy
8. Downhere - How Many Kings? Songs for Christmas
7. Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
6. Steven Curtis Chapman - The Music of Christmas
5. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas
4. Amy Grant - Home for Christmas
3. Jaci Valesquez - Christmas
2. Michael W. Smith - Christmastime
1. Bryan Duncan - Christmas is Jesus

Honorable mentions:
Various - Christmas (1988 Sparrow compilation)
Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas

Michael W. Smith Announces Christmas Tour with American Idol's Angie Miller

Multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith has announced the dates for his annual holiday tour. Titled "Celebrate Christmas," the festive tour will run for ten dates, kicking off Dec. 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and wrapping up Dec. 15 in Detroit, Michigan.

Each stop on the tour will also feature American Idol finalist Angie Miller, whom this past spring placed top three on the popular show. "I have looked up to Michael forever and have been singing his songs in church my whole life," Miller shares about the tour. "I am incredibly honored to be on this tour with him now!"

In addition to Miller on the tour, for the Dec 5, 6 and 7 shows Smith will be sharing the stage with his good friends Third Day.

Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin To Host The Dove Awards

The GMA announces Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin as hosts for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The awards show will take place on October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. The show will be broadcast on Monday, October 21st at 8:00pm ET exclusively on UP.

In addition to the awards show host, past Dove Award winners and nominees, Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann and TobyMac are the first announced performers.

The first round of presenters confirmed includes Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae and Pastor Rick Warren.

Phil Keaggy Honored with Prestigious ASCAP Award

Singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Phil Keaggy will be honored with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his extraordinary career achievements. The ceremony will take place tonight during the 35th Annual Christian Music Awards. The invitation-only gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed Christian songs of the past year.

Past recipients of the ASCAP Golden Note Award have included Michael W. Smith, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Bob McDill, Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther. "Phil Keaggy's influence on both the contemporary Christian and mainstream music markets is immeasurable," says ASCAP's Michael Martin. "We are very proud to honor him with the ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his incredible career."



Keaggy earned his first Dove Award in 1988 for his instrumental album The Wind and the Wheat, and won his second in 1992 for the Celtic-influenced Beyond Nature. From 1998 to 2001, Keaggy dominated the Instrumental Album of the Year category at the Doves, winning for Invention, Acoustic Sketches, Majesty and Wonder, and most recently, Lights of Madrid. For three years in a row, Keaggy was voted one of the top fingerstyle guitarists by Guitar Player Magazine readers.

Best Male Christian Vocalists of All Time

Below is our list for the best male Christian vocalists of all time.

This list is not just based on vocal prowess, criteria also include song quality, impact on industry, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

10.  Matthew West
9. Ken Tamplin
8. Michael Tait (also of dc Talk & Newsboys) & Kevin Max (also of dc Talk and Audio A)
7. John Elefante
6. Michael Sweet (also of Stryper fame)

5. Michael W. Smith

4. Jeremy Camp
3. Bryan Duncan

2. Steven Curtis Chapman

1. Russ Taff

Honorable Mentions:

Brandon Heath

Charlie Peacock

Chris Tomlin

Mark Schultz
Phil Keaggy
Todd Agnew
Warren Barfield

On the way to establishing post-band career:
Peter Furler (of Newsboys)
John Schlitt (of Petra fame)
Martin Smith (of delirious?)

To make the list manageable, we've also excluded vocalists who are primarily fronting a band without a body of solo work.  That list is here.

Thoughts?

Comedy For a Cause Featuring Henry Cho Raises Money for Rocketown

Michael W. Smith, a multi-platinum, Grammy®, American Music Award and GMA Dove Winning artist partnered with Kroger, MobileSmartBid and several key sponsors to host Rocketown's annual fundraising dinner, auction and evening of entertainment to raise awareness and support for the non-profit outreach for teens. This year's event was themed "Comedy for a Cause" and featured comedian guests, Henry Cho and Jeff Allen.

The gathering took place at Rocketown's downtown Nashville venue, commencing with a VIP reception attended by more than 430 guests.  Notable attendees included Governor Bill Haslam, author Karen Kingsbury, American Idol contestant Scott MacIntyre, Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, several Tennessee Titan players, the entire coaching staff of the Nashville Predators and many others.

"This was a great night -- and certainly a great cause. So many kids have been helped by the ministry at Rocketown," shares founder, Michael W. Smith. "The money from this event will help us do more and serve more kids."

Combined sponsorships, generous donations, live auction and new MobileSmartBid online auction generated much needed proceeds that impact day-to-day efforts of Rocketown's staff. Auction items included two trips to perform with Michael W. Smith in New York City at Carnegie Hall, an all-exclusive Yacht trip, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators sports packages and more.

Rocketown's mission is to offer hope to the next generation through Christ's love. In the coming year, it will continue to provide that outlet for the community through weekly gatherings, special events and its concerts.

Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser to Feature Jeff Foxworthy and Henry Cho

"Comedy for a Cause," the theme of this year's Rocketown fundraiser, to be held at the popular Nashville-based youth outreach facility on Oct. 9, will feature an all-mobile bidding auction sponsored by Kroger and powered by MobileSmartBid. Among those items up for grabs are Atlanta Braves and Chicago Bears sports packages as well as a unique NYC/Carnegie Hall weekend that includes hotel accommodations for two and the opportunity to sing onstage with Michael W. Smith.

An annual event to help raise funds for the venue which serves at-risk youth, the 2012 benefit is chaired by last year's featured performer, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, and his wife Gregg. Coined "Comedy for a Cause," the evening will include performances by comics Jeff Allen and Henry Cho. All are invited to bid either at the event or remotely via their mobile phone on items including a VIP treatment in Miami, four tickets to a Chicago Bears game, and Atlanta Braves game tickets directly behind home plate complete with field passes. Auction items will be updated frequently at www.michaelwsmith.com or www.rocketown-auction.com, and the bidding goes live the week of Oct. 9.

Michael W. Smith Talks Faith on Fox News

It may be providential that one of the best-known Christian music artists, Michael W. Smith, released his new album this week, and it includes a song ("Leave") about abuse in the church. Apt timing, since accusations against mega-church pastor Bishop Eddie Long are rocking the Christian community.

In a wide-ranging interview, Smith says he understands that whether you're in church or any house of worship, you're not immune to human nature's faults and failings. The real challenge, he says, not letting your ego do the talking ... or the walking ... or the thinking.

He also addresses the difficulties of Christian artists crossing over, particularly in the early days.

They premiere the video for his new single.

Michael W. Smith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels at Freedom Concert

Sean Hannity's Freedom Concerts are scheduled for this August, and Michael W. Smith and Charlie Daniels are on the bill again, with Lynyrd Skynyrd joining the production.

All net proceeds (after musical talent, production, promotion and venue expenses) from ticket sales are donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which provide for the education of children of U.S. service members who have been killed or 100% permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.

The shows take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada and California.

Learn more here.

Michael W. Smith's Worship Goes Double Platinum

Michael W. Smith celebrates his first Double-Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his 2001 Worship album and Platinum certification for his 2002 Worship Again album. The Double-Platinum status signifies the distribution of more than 2 million copies and Platinum more than 1 million copies. Smith’s career sales approach 15 million with a new album set to release in September.

Smith has inspired millions with his music, and the RIAA certifications further testify to his popularity and impact as an artist. Throughout his distinguished career, the RIAA has certified 16 of Smith’s projects as Gold with sales of more than 500,000. Out of this list, six were later certified Platinum and one Double-Platinum.

Third Day, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith & Max Lucado on Tour

World Vision and AEG Live announce the “Make A Difference Tour 2010” featuring New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado and some of the top names in the Christian music industry—GRAMMY® award-winning recording artists TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day.

AEG Live is producer for the “Make A Difference Tour 2010” and World Vision is the tour sponsor. The “Make A Difference Tour 2010” will make a difference for children by helping to raise up sponsors for 25,000 children through World Vision.

Who has had the most #1s?

Which artist has had the most #1 Christian singles? It's a bit tricky because Billboard has only been tracking for 7 years, but the order is:

No. 1 Songs, Artist
8 - MercyMe
7 - Casting Crowns
4 - Jeremy Camp
4 - Third Day
4 - Matthew West

What about albums? The answer may surprise you, I know the Top 7 certainly did for me because of some notable absences:

No. 1 Albums, Artist
19 - Michael W. Smith
9 - Steven Curtis Chapman
8 - Amy Grant
5 - Carman
5 - Kirk Franklin
5 - MercyMe
5 - P.O.D.