Michael W. Smith

Michael Whitaker Smith was born on October 7, 1957, in Kenova, West Virginia. He is a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who has charted on both contemporary Christian and mainstream music charts. Throughout his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums. Smith is a three-time Grammy Award winner and has earned 45 Dove Awards. In 1992, he received an American Music Award. His songwriting achievements were recognized in 1999 when ASCAP honored him with the "Golden Note" Award for lifetime achievement. In 2008, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His catalog includes a number of well-known worship songs, including "Breathe," "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "Draw Me Close," "Ancient Words," "Healing Rain," "Let It Rain," "Waymaker," and "Surrounded (Fight My Battles)." He has recorded 31 No. 1 hit songs and has authored 14 books, including *This Is Your Time*.