No one knows the gospel music industry better than Michael Whitaker Smith, and, likewise, no one knows gospel music without knowing Smith's fantastic worship ballads. The contemporary Christian artist has earned himself a permanent spot in the gospel hall of fame with over 25 number one hits, selling over seven million records and earning both Dove and Grammy Awards in his three decades of making soulful music.

The artist known as Michael W. Smith grew up a devout Christian, socializing with a support group of believers who often played music together. When the group spread apart after high school, Smith turned down the path of substance and alcohol abuse, working on his songwriting skills on the side. A mental breakdown in 1979 allowed Smith to set the record straight with his life, and he ended up recommitting to Christ, joining and touring with the contemporary Christian group Higher Ground before joining Meadowgreen Music as a staff writer in 1981. Here, he worked with artists Sandi Patti, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant. After touring with Amy Grant for two years, Smith released his first album The Michael W. Smith Project. The album won Smith a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance, and he went on to release another heavily-steeped gospel album, Michael W. Smith 2.

Smith eventually crossed over into mainstream music, changing his music to a more rock-oriented base to attract more (mostly younger) listeners. His hits continued streaming out of this genre, and he has had nothing but success since the switch. The 2000s brought a bit of a change for Smith, who recorded his 2000 release Freedom in Ireland with the help of the Irish Film Orchestra Limited. Two live albums followed in 2001 and 2002, and a number of albums have since been recorded.