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GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist, Michael W. Smith, recorded his first worship album on June 1st at the Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Florida. The live worship experience was recorded as Smith, supported by a 20-member choir, led worship for close to 10,000 people. The album, simply titled Worship, will release to stores nationwide on September 11, 2001.

For Smith, this event was not about recording an album, but about leading people in worship of God and seeing lives changed. "I don't want this to be just another 'recording'...it's about pure worship, period," says Smith.

Eight songs recorded at the event in Lakeland that will be included on Worship, are "Breathe," "Draw Me Close," "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "Agnus Dei," "Above All," "Forever," "Awesome God," and "The Heart of Worship." The final song list will number close to twelve, including two studio cuts, "Above All." and "Purified," a new song co-written by Michael and wife, Debbie. ("Above All" will appear on the album twice, once as a studio version and once as a live version recorded in Lakeland, FL.)

"The support and excitement from retailers for Worship so far has been amazing," says Keri Turner, Director of Marketing for Reunion Records. "The idea of Michael making a worship recording is something that retailers and his fans have asked for...and we're finally able to give it to them."

To accompany this release, a CD premium entitled Devotions has been created as part of a pre-sale campaign, which begins July 17th. Devotions is a limited edition 30-minute personal worship experience CD featuring 5 classic worship songs plus devotional thoughts and Scripture readings from Michael. Devotions is only available to stores participating in the pre-sale campaign, which to date include Family Christian Stores, The Parable Group, LifeWay, Mardel, and Lemstone.

Songs included on Devotions are "Agnus Dei," "The Throne," "Glorious Grace," "As It Is In Heaven," and "Great Is The Lord." In-store merchandising materials will include a counter display, double album flat and a life-size stand-up of Smith that will double as a floor display due to its design to accommodate Devotions and Worship. Pre-sale materials will be available beginning July 3 and the pre-sale will begin on July 17. "Above All" will be the first single to radio from Worship, with an add date of July 27th.

As one of the most influential figures in Christian music, Reunion recording artist Michael W. Smith has garnered 27 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, two GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, platinum album, seven gold albums, and 24 Number One Christian radio singles.

Founded in 1982, Nashville-based Reunion Records and its affiliated labels, Brentwood, Diadem, and Benson Records are distributed through Provident Music Distribution and through partnerships with mainstream-parent company, Zomba Music Group.

From our archives, June 20, 2001