Catching up with Michael W. Smith… January 2016. Watch the video below and find out what he’s been up to and planning for later in 2016.
Related Links:
– New Album: http://www.crackerbarrel.com
– 2016 Summer Cruise: http://www.michaelwsmithcruise.com
With Michael’s new album arriving at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations this Friday, January 29th, we wanted to give all of Michael’s email list members the chance to listen to the first 90 seconds of each of the 16 songs on the album.
Hymns II: Shine On Us is a collection of songs classic and contemporary hymns that Michael hopes will bring your spirit to a place of worship every time you listen. All of these songs are brand new recordings performed as only Michael can.
Songs on the album are:
We are excited to give you this special preview – Listen below or click here to listen on YouTube.
Michael W. Smith returns with an all new HYMNS collection titled HYMNS II: SHINE ON US on January 29, 2016. Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations nationwide and iTunes.
Read the flyer below for more details and the track list:
Thank you to THE EXAMINER for joining Michael and Amy in Minneapolis this year.
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Here’s their review of the concert:
(You can read the entire review and view a photo gallery by clicking here)
Christian music superstars Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant returned to Target Center on Saturday night, Dec. 12, officially bringing in the sounds of the season to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Smith, who turned 58, in October hasn’t missed a beat since launching his annual Christmas holiday tour several years ago while always making sure every year that Minneapolis was a definite show date.
It’s no secret to those that really know “Smitty” as close friends and family call him that he absolutely loves Christmas, and that couldn’t have been truer with his spectacular performance tonight in Minneapolis. Smith was witty and comedic throughout the night even when he shared a very tender moment when thanking everyone for coming out tonight, and mentioned that he’s not gonna cry as his eyes seemed to fill up with tears, because he knows that his dad is cheering him on and he looks forward to seeing him again on the other side. (Smith’s father, Paul Smith, passed away last month) Smith also mentioned that he brought snow with him, because we don’t have any and said usually it’s freezing around this time of year here.
Grant, who is a few years younger than Smith, shares very similar views about Christmas who also has had several tours in the past with her husband Vince Gillcelebrating the holiday season. With the addition of Grant on the bill for this stop, concert goers were in for a very special treat.
Smith and company had the perfect mix of songs of the season, including some more modern, to the old hymn style that were sang by candlelight hundreds of years ago. What really made this show superb was the incredible backup full orchestra that was simply… (click here to read the rest of the article and see a photo gallery from the concert).
Paul Whitaker Smith went to sleep on November 20, 2015 and woke up in Jesus’ arms. He was 82 years old. Born in Kenova, WV, he was the devoted son of Elmer and Mary Smith.
Born in the house his grandmother built, he played football and baseball at Ceredo-Kenova High School for the CK Wonders. However, the greatest wonder of his life was falling in love with Barbara Ann Spradlin. The fourteen-year old girl caught the eye of this sixteen-year old boy, but he waited to date her until he graduated so as not to “rob the cradle.” It was a convenient relationship, as she lived across the street. After seven years of courtship, they were married January 11, 1957.
As a member of First Baptist Church of Kenova from 1957-1994, Paul devoted himself to serving as a deacon and singing in the church choir, lending his baritone voice to a number of solos over the years. He was lovingly nicknamed “Saint Paul,” chaperoning countless youth choir trips for his own children and so many more.
Whether it was coaching baseball, serving as a deacon at his church, chaperoning “New Generation” choir tours, or serving the homeless at Room in the Inn, Paul had the most generous servant’s heart one could find. People who met him received much more than a meal and a handshake. Paul truly loved people, serving them deeply and intentionally. More than just a coach, Paul was a mentor to countless young men who needed a Christ-like influence.
A 37-year employee of Ashland Oil, he moved in 1994 to Franklin to be close to his family. For the past 22 years he remained right in the middle of his family, just as he always had. As his new home was under construction, Paul supervised every board sawed and every nail hammered. The house remains one of the best built in the neighborhood.
Paul had a nickname for everyone he knew and adored, including his two children he lovingly referred to as “Bubs” and “Suze.” If Paul knew you long enough, you were sure to receive an affectionate nickname too.
His life is celebrated by his wife of almost 59 years, Barbara Spradlin Smith; his children, Michael (Debbie) Smith and Kimberly (David) Bennett; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren: Ryan (Patti) Smith and their four children; Whitney (Jack) Mooring and their two children; Tyler (Sarah) Smith and their three children; Anna (Rhen) Bovi and their daughter; Emily (Sam) Hancock and their daughter; and Mary Claire, Caroline, and Sarah Kate Bennett.
Far greater than the adoration he had for his family, church, friends, and even strangers, Paul had an incredible, unmatched love and heart for Jesus.
A lover of music, baseball, building, and people, you may honor Paul by supporting Rocketown, Adoration Hospice, and Church of the City.
Friends and family visitation will be 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, November 23rd. Open-to-the-public Celebration Service will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 24th at Church of The City.
WHAT: 2015 USO Gala: Honoring Those Who Serve
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015
6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception/Red Carpet
7:00 p.m. Dinner & Evening Program
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC 20001
WHO: Master of Ceremonies: Robert Patrick, star of CBS’ “Scorpion”
Featured Entertainment: Michael W. Smith, Grammy Award winning recording artist
Special Guest: Robert Irvine, celebrity chef and 2014-2015 USO Gala menu designer
Special Guest: Phil Heath, current and five-time Mr. Olympia
Dr. J.D. Crouch II, President and CEO of the USO
2015 USO Service Member of the Year Award Honorees:
• USO Soldier of the Year: Specialist Christian T. Sheers, Beast Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Calvary Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) (Fort Campbell, Kentucky)
• USO Marine of the Year: Staff Sergeant Joseph P. Bednarik, Company E, 2nd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment Marine Corps Recruit Depot (San Diego, CA)
• USO Sailor of the Year: Petty Officer Second Class Jessica A. Jusino, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) (Newport News, Virginia)
• USO Airman of the Year: Senior Airman TJ Brantley, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Journeyman, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron (Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana)
• USO Coast Guardsman of the Year: Petty Officer First Class Angel Leott, Maritime Safety and Security Team Boston (Boston, Massachusetts)
• USO National Guardsman of the Year: Sergeant Aaron Burdash, 204th Area Support Medical Company, 347th Regional Support Group, Minnesota Army National Guard (Cottage Grove, Minnesota)
2015 USO Volunteer of the Year Award Honorees:
• Airman First Class Eric Chun, U.S. Air Force, Volunteer of the Year, Overseas
• Richard “Dick” Anderson, Volunteer of the Year, Stateside
2015 Spirit of the USO Award Honoree:
• USO Congressional Caucus, on behalf of the caucus the award will be accepted by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL)
WHY: “Scorpion” star Robert Patrick to serve as host, Grammy Award winning recording artist Michael W. Smith to perform as featured entertainer, celebrity chef Robert Irvine and Mr. Olympia 2015, Phil Heath to attend the 2015 USO Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on Oct. 20. Continuing a time-honored tradition of recognizing the heroism of America’s enlisted servicemen and women, the USO will present its 2015 USO Service Member of the Year Awards to a service member from each branch of America’s Armed Forces. The USO will also present its 2015 USO Volunteer of the Year Awards, as well as its 2015 Spirit of the USO Award, which is given to groups or individuals in recognition of their commitment to troops and their families.
With a fall-inspired dinner menu thoughtfully designed by Irvine, as well as remarks by senior military leaders, the 2015 USO Gala program will pay special tribute to our men and women in uniform as well as focus on how the USO helps connect service members with their family, home and country. One thousand guests are expected to be on hand, with attendees ranging from Washington dignitaries, celebrities and members of Congress to USO corporate sponsors and members of the USO Board of Governors.
Newsflash… We were just informed that Michael W. Smith’s Christmas Album, THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, just won the Gospel Music Association’s DOVE AWARD for CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF THE YEAR!
Michael will be on the road this December playing songs from the album and we can’t wait to see you out there. Go here to see the tour dates now: https://michaelwsmith.com/tour
This is the 45th DOVE AWARD of Michael’s career!
Dear Friends,
When we scheduled our first “Michael W. Smith & Friends” cruise, we didn’t know what to expect. Now here we are almost a decade later and each time I get to plan a cruise it’s more exciting than the last.
My family and I could have never anticipated what we would experience on a ship with so many friends. The opportunities to connect with new friends and reconnect with old ones are always the most cherished moments. Of course, there’s also the amazing ports, sights and chances to experience and explore new places.
It is with all of that in mind that my family, my team and I are excited to invite you to join us for our 2016 cruise to the Caribbean. By the time the ship sets sail it will have been 8 years since we last cruised the Caribbean and we’re all looking forward to a cruise in the warm sun.
We are thrilled to be sailing on Royal Caribbean’s OASIS OF THE SEAS, one of the highest rated and most popular ships to ever set sail. This ship will offer more opportunities for my friends and their families to create memories together than any of our prior cruises. In addition to the daily devotions, concerts and events we are planning exclusively for our group – there will be plenty of time built in to enjoy the many shows and other attractions that are a part what makes the OASIS OF THE SEAS so special.
The ports are unique, beautiful and fun to explore… from the gorgeous beaches and delectable restaurants of Dutch St. Maarten and history of San Juan, to Royal Caribbean’s private port in Labadee.
As always, we’ll be adding some very special guest artists to make the week even more memorable. So, I really hope you will join me, Debbie and our family on what will be an amazing week of worship, exploration and relaxation!
We look forward to seeing you on the ship!
God Bless,
Michael W. Smith
My friend Kathie Lee shares a pretty amazing testimony/remembrance of her husband, Frank Gifford… watch this whole video.
MWS