Michael W. Smith, a renowned American Christian music artist, was born in Kenova, West Virginia, to a family where his father worked at an oil refinery and his mother was a caterer and church secretary. Growing up, Smith's two primary passions were baseball and music, which would later become integral parts of his life.
As a young boy, Smith became a Christian at the age of 10, a pivotal moment that would shape his future. After graduating, he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, with a dream to make a name for himself in the music industry. Initially, he struggled to secure a record deal, which led him to turn to drugs and alcohol for a brief period. However, in October 1979, he rediscovered his faith and made a conscious effort to turn his life around.
In 1981, Smith joined a Christian music group called "Higher Ground" and began performing with them. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Debbie, in June, and they tied the knot in September of the same year.
After years of perseverance, Smith finally landed a record deal with Reunion Records and released his debut album in 1983. Just two days before his second wedding anniversary, his first child, Ryan, was born in September of that year. The album's success led to Smith becoming a household name, with his music resonating with audiences from all walks of life.
