Multi-platinum, multi-GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith is one of the most influential figures in Christian music. Over his 20-year career, Smith has garnered two GRAMMY Awards (along with numerous nominations) an American Music Award given in the Pop category, was named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and has garnered 34 Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year in 1999 and 2002. Smith’s career sales
exceed nine million. His last CD, “Worship,” has been certified platinum while the “Worship DVD/VHS” debuted at the number-one spot on the Billboard Top Music Videos chart in August. His new Reunion Records project “Worship Again” released on October 22nd, coinciding with his 16-city Come Together and Worship Tour and his 14-date Christmastime Tour. “Worship Again” debuted at No. 1 on Soundscan’s Christian Sales chart. The album also debuted at No. 14 on Billboard’s Top 200, marking his highest debut on this chart. This also marks the first time Michael has had two albums in the top 100 at the same time. (Worship sits at No. 100).
Smith also recently announced the debut of Friends Online, a subscription-based fan site offering exclusive benefits and features. The premium site follows the recent re-launch of michaelwsmith.com. “It’s really important for the people that follow my music to have a unique place — a community — to interact with me and each other,” says
Michael. “Teaming up with StarOne Networks to develop and manage the site ensures a great online experience giving members unique access to my music and my ministries.”
Friends Online offers members the ability to purchase pre-sale concert tickets in addition to meet and greets with Michael at selected concerts. The site also provides timely news, interviews, fan interaction, and exclusive features including backstage video produced by Ryan Smith.
“The opportunity for fans to meet and interact with Michael W. Smith is a reality through Friends Online,” says Chris Moise, President, StarOne Networks. “The Friends Online experience will bring much more value to members than the traditional fan club through timely news, exclusive features and constant interaction.” He added that the service will also provide members with access to autographed memorabilia, contests, discounts, and online involvement with other members through message boards and chat rooms.
Michael W. Smith’s Worship, released on 9/11 2001, was RIAA certified platinum on August 6. At an event to honor Smith recently, a very special guest was on hand to share in the event as Franklin Graham surprised Michael and made a trip from North Carolina to say a few words in honor of his friend.
Michael kicks off his Christmastime Tour with Point of Grace and Kara on November 29 in Fort Wayne, In.. Christmastime comes to Nashville on Monday, December 2 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Related Stories and Links:
Michael W. Smith Wraps Up 2002 with Christmastime
Michael W. Smith Wins 2002 Dove Awards
Nashville News: Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith to Participate in Innaugural Prayer Service
Michael W. Smith THIS IS YOUR TIME Garners GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATION
FREEDOM REVIEWS
MICHAEL W. SMITH CHRISTMASTIME TOUR HITS THE ROAD
Michael W. Smith Releases Freedom
Smith, Knapp, Rice Bring Down the House
Christian Activities Michael W. Smith Forum
Christian Activities Music & Book Store
