Michael W. Smith is thrilled to announce his new Christmas EP today. Christmas at Home, coming out October 21^st, features Smith’s entire family participating in the recording, arranging, writing and includes 6 brand new Christmas standards that will awaken the listener’s holiday memories. Among the tracks, there are two instrumental pieces, “The Star” (featuring a haunting vocal line from daughter Whitney Mooring and lush orchestration) and “Christmas at Wildwood” which features Smith’s signature gift and sound for writing melodies on the piano.  Throughout the entire EP, the music and orchestration play like an epic movie soundtrack.

The EP was inspired by the song “ Freeze The Frame” written by Smith and Tony Wood, painting pictures of family moments around the holidays. Lyrics from the Mark Campbell produced song that spoke to Smith include: “Time around the table/And time around the tree/These moments in these rooms tonight/Are everything I dream.” They reminded him so much of his own family life that it quickly led him to the idea of making the EP a family affair, having his daughter Anna Bovi sing on the track and motivated him to bring in his other children and, at the time, 16 grandchildren (recently grown to 17) for the rest of the project.

Other highlights from the EP include the radio single ‘Christmas Is Here’ written by Smith and Bovi, which has memory-inducing lyrics and a chorus of all of his grandchildren, with the orchestral arrangement done by Smith’s son, Tyler.  Another majestic moment was bringing in the 200+ member Brentwood Baptist Choir for “God with God.” The song is a choral and orchestra masterpiece that invokes memories of Smith’s past Christmas anthems, produced, orchestrated, and arranged by David Hamilton.  Listeners will know they’re in for a special experience by the opening instrumental “The Night Before…” which sets the stage perfectly for the Christmas season.

Smith will showcase the songs from the EP (in addition to his other classics) on his upcoming Christmas tour with Amy Grant. Tour dates can be found at MichaelWSmith.com/Tour.

To pre-save Christmas at Home click here

Physical copies will be available November 4^th and can be found here

Christmas At Home Tracklist:

• The Night Before…
• Christmas Is Here
• Freeze The Frame
• The Star
• God with God
• Christmas at Wildwood
• Christmas Is Here (Radio Edit)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Nashville, Tenn. (April 1, 2022) —  Grammy award winning, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith is releasing his moving new instrumental single “Cry For Hope” today in response to the current devastation in Ukraine.

 “After watching the news and the devastation in Ukraine, like most of the world I was in tears.  Over the next few days this melody just kept coming back to me and just spoke a message that no words could convey,” Smith says.   

“Cry For Hope” was recorded with the Nashville Recording Orchestra and Smith on piano. His good friend David Hamilton led the orchestration and co-produced the song with Smith. 

A portion of the proceeds of “Cry For Hope” will be distributed to Ukraine aid. 

Add to your music library and listen “Cry For Hope”:  https://slinky.to/CryForHope

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Listen here 2, versions below:

FULL SYMPHONY VERSION

SOLO PIANO & VIOLIN VERSION:

Michael W. Smith has re-envisioned his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20^th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Out today, Worship Forever, has re-imagined the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra. The new record also includes a bonus track, “SING AGAIN”, a song with lyrics Smith felt especially appropriate for today.

Worship Forever was recorded in front of a live audience in Nashville, TN on July 12, 2021 and includes special appearances by Amy Grant, Matt Redman and Tauren Wells. In celebration of the album’s release, TBN will be airing the entire musical event and documentary footage tonight (9/10) three times back-to-back at 7:00/8:30/10:00pm CST. The special will continue to air through the next week.

Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning.

Smith says, “The Worship record was a special one for me.  From the recording live in Lakeland, Florida – to the release on 9/11– the day our nation was attacked.  I’ve seen God use those songs and that music in ways I could have never dreamed.  I’m so excited, now, to have re-imagined this record – start to finish – with a full Symphony Orchestra.  This is a very special recording from an incredible night.”

Worship Forever Track List:

1. Forever
2. Heart of Worship feat. Matt Redman
3. Draw Me Close
4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
5. Open the Eyes of My Heart
6. Above All
7. Breathe
8. Let It Rain
9. Agnus Dei feat. Amy Grant
10. Awesome God
11. More Love, More Power feat. Tauren Wells
12. Surrounded, Waymaker
13. Forever (reprise)
14. Bonus Track: Sing Again

To listen to Worship Forever please visit: https://slinky.to/WorshipForeverLive

Barbara Ann Smith fell asleep at home on July 10, 2021 and woke up in her new home with Jesus where she was reunited with Paul, her childhood sweetheart and husband of almost 59 years. She was 86 years old. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Barbara was the oldest of the five Spradlin children. 

After moving to Kenova, West Virginia it wasn’t long before she caught the eye of sixteen-year old Paul Smith who conveniently lived across the street. She was fourteen. After seven years of courtship, they married on January 11, 1957. 

Barbara was not only a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kenova until 1994, but also served as church secretary, church cook, and fellow youth choir trip chaperone with Paul for their own children and so many more. She led the children’s choirs for years. The two of them raised more Kenova kids than they could count. Their home was the hang out place for Michael, Kimberly, and their friends. 

Her love for home and family filled Barbara’s heart to the point of overflowing to all who had the joy of knowing her. Making mealtime a priority for her own family, there was always room for one, two, three, or more chairs to pull up to the table. Family was her heartbeat, and hospitality was one of her many God-given gifts. Those who tasted them will agree that her recipes were heavenly and that her ability to serve meals at the perfect temperature to several hundred people at the same time was nothing less than miraculous.

Even more than her extraordinary recipes was the time and attention she gave to family, friends, and all who needed an ear to listen, a word to comfort, and a heart to care. Many found in her a mother, Mimi, and confidant. You always felt like a better you after being with her. And when she got tickled, you did too. Barbara was also scrappy enough to pull herself through a tough childhood and tender years as Paul’s caregiver. 

After serving for more than twenty years as the church secretary of First Baptist Kenova, she and Paul moved in 1994 to Franklin to be close to their children and grandchildren. Their ministry together has touched the homeless at Room in the Inn and their well-fed but spiritually hungry neighbors. With Barbara, no one was homeless, and everyone was fed. 

Barbara’s life is celebrated by her children, Michael (Debbie) Smith and Kimberly (David) Bennett; eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren: Ryan (Patti) Smith and their four children; Whitney (Jack) Mooring and their four children; Tyler (Sarah) Smith and their five children; Anna Bovi and her two daughters; Emily (Sam) Hancock and their daughter; Mary Claire Bennett and her daughter; Caroline, and Sarah Kate Bennett. Barbara is survived by sisters Delores Brant and Janice (Paul) Clary.

As much as she loved and cared for her family, friends, and anyone who walked through her door and sat at her table, Barbara loved Jesus, and her heart beat for Him. You may honor Barbara by supporting Rocketown of Middle Tennessee and Adoration Hospice, Madison, TN. Visitation will be 2:00–4:15 pm Wednesday, July 14 with a celebration service to follow at 4:30 in the Theatre near Entrance B at Church of the City, 828 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN. 

Smith to Record Worship Forever at Allen Arena with Amy Grant, Matt Redman, Tauren Wells and more in Front of a Live Audience on July 12, 2021

Nashville, Tenn. (June 1, 2021) —  Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith announced he will be re-recording and re-releasing his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20^th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Worship Forever will re-imagine the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra.  

Worship Forever will be recorded in front of a live audience at Allen Arena on July 12, 2021 in Nashville, TN and released on September 10, 2021. Tickets for this memorable night go on sale today, Tuesday June 1, 2021, and are available at MichaelWSmith.com/worship. The one-of-a-kind evening will also be released as a television event later this year.

Joining Michael on-stage for this special recording are friends: Amy Grant, Matt Redman, Tauren Wells and more artists to be announced.

Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning.

Smith says, “The Worship record was a special one for me.  From the recording live in Lakeland, Florida – to the release on 9/11– the day our nation was attacked.  I’ve seen God use those songs and that music in ways I could have never dreamed.  I’m so excited, now, to be reimagining this record – start to finish – with a full Symphony Orchestra.  It’s going to be a special recording and night.”

Worship Track List:

1. “Forever” – Written by Chris Tomlin
2. “The Heart of Worship” – Written by Matt Redman
3. “Draw Me Close” – Written by Kelly Carpenter
4. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – Written by Helen H. Lemmel
5. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” – Written by Paul Baloche
6. “Above All” – Written by Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Baloche
7. “Breathe” – Written by Marie Barnett
8. “Let It Rain” – Written by Michael Farren
9. “Agnus Dei” – Written by Michael W. Smith
10. “Awesome God” – Written by Rich Mullins
11. “More Love, More Power” – Written by Jude del Hierro
12. “Purified” – Written by Deborah D. Smith, Michael W. Smith

About Michael W. Smith:

Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was also recently honored with a star-studded tribute concert in Nashville, TN to celebrate his 35 No. 1s, by a myriad of legendary performers. His recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. His most recent album STILL Vol. 1, is an atmospheric listening experience of improvisational music coupled with inspirational scriptures. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever.

Get Connected With Michael W. Smith

michaelwsmith.com

facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial

twitter.com/michaelwsmith

instagram.com/mwsmithofficial

PRESS CONTACTS:

Michael W. Smith publicity contact:

Samantha Goldstein

Samantha@NashUnderground.com

May 11, 2021 | Franklin, TN – Compassion LIVE joins iconic multi-platinum artist Michael W. Smith to present Michael W. Smith – Live From Franklin, an exclusive live-by-request online concert from Michael’s popular Friend’s Reunion Weekend. The summer of 2021 marks eight years since Michael invited his friends to join him in his hometown for a weekend of music and activities. Fans can join the SOLD OUT event on June 11^th for an online concert, no travel required.

With a unique spin on the event, the entire set list for Michael W. Smith – Live From Franklin will be built by fans and ticketholders.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to invite my friends who couldn’t be with us for my Friends Reunion weekend to join us for an intimate and unique BY REQUEST concert from my hometown,” says Smith. “This is going to be a unique concert that will be unlike most shows that I tour. I’ll be playing some songs that I haven’t played in decades, if that’s what you all request. This night is going to be curated by all of my friends who attend online. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

Two ticket options are available: 

• $20 – Ticket to 6/11 Livestream only
• $75 – Ticket to 6/11 Livestream, one autographed copy of The Way of the Father and one copy of Still, Vol. 1 (bundle)

Tickets to Live From Franklin can be purchased at CompassionLive.com. Ticketholders have until June 1^st to submit song requests.

For more information about Live From Franklin and Compassion International, please visit this website.