16Apr

The Countdown to the ALASKA CRUISE is ON!

April 16, 2014 MichaelWSmith.com 54

The Michael W. Smith & Friends Cruise to Alaska has been sold out for a couple months now… however, we did just release a few cabins from our “staff holds”. Call Inspiration cruises if you’re interested in filling one of these last few cabins. You can get more information here: http://www.michaelwsmithcruise.com

And while we’re thinking about it… here’s a COUNTDOWN until we set sail:

08Apr

NEW MUSIC VIDEO IS HERE: ‘YOU WON’T LET GO’

April 8, 2014 MichaelWSmith.com 64

The official LIVE Music Video is here for ‘YOU WON’T LET GO’ from Michael W. Smith’s new album, SOVEREIGN.

The music video is included as part of the CD/DVD DELUXE Edition that includes 10 songs from SOVEREIGN performed LIVE. Pre-order your copy here!

24Mar

Michael W. Smith’s first-ever classic HYMNS album available now!

March 24, 2014 Michael Ray 65

MICHAEL W. SMITH’S new album, HYMNS, available NOW!

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/hymnsitunes

CrackerBarrel.com: http://smarturl.it/hymnscb

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/hymnsamazon

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Michael W. Smith’s newest album Hymns is available beginning today exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and online at crackerbarrel.com. The digital album will also be available for purchase at select digital retailers. The album is the latest CD in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program. It is the first time in his legendary career that Smith has recorded an album of traditional hymns, including many that he sang in church when he was young. The album contains 15 songs and will sell for $11.99.

Smith will meet fans and autograph copies of Hymnsat the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® located at 2406 Music Valley Drive in Nashville this Friday, Mar. 28, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Later that evening, he will perform songs from the album on the Grand Ole Opry. During his performance, he will be joined by his friend Ricky Skaggs.

“I’ve wanted to do an album of hymns for as long as I can remember,” said Smith. “When we started talking with Cracker Barrel, I knew it was the right time for this project. I’m really excited about it. These are great, timeless songs that I have always loved to sing.”

“Michael’s Hymns album is beautiful album of classic hymns and makes a great addition to the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store exclusive music program,” said Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager Julie Craig. “We are thrilled to work with Michael and we know our guests will enjoy this CD.”

Hymns was produced by Kyle Lee and Jim Daneker, with track no. 15 produced by Smith. The album’s executive producers are Greg Ham and Chaz Corzine. The songs on Hymns are as follows:

1) “The Old Rugged Cross” (written by George Bennard)

2) “My Jesus, I Love Thee” (written by William R. Featherston)

3) “Were You There” (written by C. Winfred Douglas)

4) “Victory in Jesus” (written by E.M. Bartlett)

5) “How Great Thou Art” (written by Stuart K. Hine)

6) “Just As I Am” (written by Charlotte Elliott)

7) “Near the Cross” (written by Fanny Crosby)

8) “It is Well” (written by Horatio Spafford)

9) “Softly and Tenderly” (written by Will L. Thompson)

10) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (written by Isaac Watts)

11) “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (written by Joseph M Scriven)

12) “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” (written by Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse)

13) “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (written by Thomas O.Chisholm and William M. Runyan)

14) “God of Our Fathers” (written by Daniel C. Roberts)

15) “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (written by Peter C. Lutkin)

Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian artist has had the opportunity to sing for Presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

20Mar

New Album Official Press Release

March 20, 2014 Michael Ray 67

Sovereign marks Smith’s first studio worship album since 2008

Sovereign Deluxe Edition to include DVD concert with

special appearances by Kari Jobe and Leeland Mooring

Nashville, Tenn. (March 20, 2014) – After selling more than 15 million albums, scoring 28 No. 1 hits, earning three GRAMMY® Awards and more than 40 Dove Awards, musical icon Michael W. Smith will open a new chapter in his career on May 13 as he releasesSovereign, his first studio worship album since 2008 and his first album with new label partner Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. Sovereign will also be available as a Deluxe Edition, which will include a special DVD concert filmed at Smith’s barn in Franklin, Tenn. and will feature guest appearances from Kari Jobe and Leeland Mooring. The DVD will also include special behind the scenes footage and content with Smith discussing the inspiration behind Sovereign.

Well known as one of the most gifted artists and worship leaders of his generation, Smith’s previous worship projects have sold well over 3.5 million albums. Throughout the entirety of his career, Smith’s albums have received one Double Platinum, seven Platinum and 16 Gold RIAA Certifications. However, not one to rest on past success as he hits the “sweet spot” of his career, Smith is deliberately entering a new creative chapter on Sovereign, crafting a vibrant collection of vertically-focused songs with a fresh sense of musical innovation.

“I’m enjoying making music more than I ever have in my entire life,” Smith exudes. “I’m having fun and I’m excited about this record and this next chapter.”

In the spirit of this new adventure, Smith enlisted the talents of several songwriters and producers he hasn’t collaborated with previously for Sovereign, including Seth Moseley (Newsboys, Sanctus Real, Love & the Outcome) and Kyle Lee (Natalie Grant). Smith also tapped the expertise of producers Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Carrie Underwood, Mandisa) and West Coast-based writer/producer Jeremy Edwardson (Kari Jobe, Jesus Culture). Bridging the gap between a generation of worship leaders, Smith brought in one of his favorite singers, Kari Jobe, to sing on a track.

“You Won’t Let Go,” the first single from Sovereign, has quickly become a staple in Smith’s live shows. The song has also given Smith a triumphant reentry to Christian radio where it was immediately the most added at Christian AC, and currently sits at No. 22 on the National Christian Audience chart. The lyric video for the track can be seen herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRb_NIQTzyA.

Sovereign

1. You Won’t Let Go

2. Heaven Come Down

3. Miracle

4. Sky Spills Over

5. All Arise

6. You Are The Fire

7. Christ Be All Around Me

8. Sovereign Over Us

9. Hide Myself

10. The Same Power

11. I Lay Me Down

12. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)

Sovereign Deluxe Edition CD+DVD

1. You Won’t Let Go

2. Heaven Come Down

3. Miracle

4. Sky Spills Over

5. All Arise

6. You Are The Fire

7. Christ Be All Around Me

8. Sovereign Over Us

9. Hide Myself

10. The Same Power

11. I Lay Me Down

12. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)

DVD

1. You Won’t Let Go

2. You Are The Fire

3. Hide Myself

4. The Same Power

5. All Arise

6. Sovereign Over Us

7. I Lay Me Down

8. Christ Be All Around Me (Featuring Leeland Mooring)

9. The One That Really Matters (Featuring Kari Jobe)

10. You Are The Fire (Reprise)

05Mar

MWS First Album of Traditional Church Hymns Arriving March 24th (Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores)

March 5, 2014 MichaelWSmith.com 72

MICHAEL W. SMITH AND CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE® ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE ALBUM, HYMNS, AVAILABLE MARCH 24

First Album of Traditional Church Hymns for Legendary Contemporary Christian Music Entertainer

LEBANON, Tenn. (March 05, 2014) – Just in time for the Easter season, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and Michael W. Smith announce the release of Hymns, Smith’s newest album, which will be available on March 24 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and online at crackerbarrel.com. The digital album will also be available for purchase at select digital retailers. This is the first time in his legendary career that Smith has recorded an album of traditional hymns, including many that he sang in church when he was young. The album contains 15 songs and will sell for $11.99.

“I first heard many of these hymns when I attended First Baptist Church in Kenova, West Virginia with my Mom, Dad, and sister Kimberly,” said Smith. “The message of the songs combined with the timeless music helped build the foundation of my Christian beliefs. I have always wanted to record an album of hymns, and am thankful that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® wanted to share it with their guests.”

“We are honored that Michael W. Smith has chosen to release his first-ever traditional hymns album with Cracker Barrel,” said Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager Julie Craig. “Hymns is filled with beautiful and beloved songs that we know our guests will enjoy and treasure for years.”

Hymns was produced by Kyle Lee and Jim Daneker, with track no. 15 produced by Smith. The album’s executive producers are Greg Ham and Chaz Corzine. The songs on Hymns are as follows:

1) “The Old Rugged Cross” (written by George Bennard)

2) “My Jesus, I Love Thee” (written by William R. Featherston)

3) “Were You There” (written by C. Winfred Douglas)

4) “Victory in Jesus” (written by E.M. Bartlett)

5) “How Great Thou Art” (written by Stuart K. Hine)

6) “Just As I Am” (written by Charlotte Elliott)

7) “Near the Cross” (written by Fanny Crosby)

8) “It is Well” (written by Horatio Spafford)

9) “Softly and Tenderly” (written by Will L. Thompson)

10) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (written by Isaac Watts)

11) “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (written by Joseph M Scriven)

12) “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” (written by Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse)

13) “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (written by Thomas O.Chisholm and William M. Runyan)

14) “God of Our Fathers” (written by Daniel C. Roberts)

15) “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (written by Peter C. Lutkin)

The album features timeless Christian classics, with songs ranging in creation date from 1708 (“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”) to 1989 (“Wonderful, Merciful Savior”). The remaining thirteen songs were written between 1840 and 1953.

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About the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Exclusive Music Program

Michael W. Smith’s Hymns is the latest CD release in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program. Since 2005, Cracker Barrel has released CDs with a wide variety of artists, some of which have debuted in the top three spots on a range of Billboard’s charts including Top DVD Music Videos, Top Country Albums, Top Contemporary Christian Albums and Top Bluegrass Albums. The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program includes CDs with Alabama, Rodney Atkins, Mandy Barnett, Clint Black, Jason Michael Carroll, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dailey & Vincent, The Charlie Daniels Band, Ronnie Dunn, Edens Edge, Sara Evans, Bill Gaither, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin, Amy Grant, The Grascals, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Montgomery Gentry, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Craig Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Randy Travis, Josh Turner, Wynonna, and the Zac Brown Band. For details, visit crackerbarrel.com.

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About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made-from-scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 625 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® location is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

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04Mar

Official Lyric Video Released For “You Won’t Let Go”

March 4, 2014 Michael Ray 69

Michael W. Smith is BACK with the first single, YOU WON’T LET GO, from his album SOVEREIGN. Watch, Share, Spread The Word!

20Feb

Alaska Cruise Update

February 20, 2014 Michael Ray 83

As we get closer to July you will occasionally be hearing from the good folks at Inspiration Cruises & Tours as well as from your friends here at the MWS Group. We don’t think anyone gets more excited about these fabulous trips than we do!

Plans for this cruise are well underway and we have some amazing things in store for you. An expanded roster of youth activities, choir opportunities, devotions, new late-night activities and maybe even a unique version of The Newlywed Game involving Michael and Debbie are all in the works! Our good friends at Samaritan’s Purse will be with us, again, and we always look forward to blessing them for their tremendous work.

We are also writing to let you be the first to know that our cruise is already SOLD OUT! Inspiration has changed the event website to say “Space is Limited – Call for Availability” to help create a Waiting List so we can fill any cabins that become available before we depart, but as of a few days ago, we are completely full! Congratulations for booking early!

On a more serious note we want to ask you to join us in prayer for one of our dear friends, Darlene Zschech. Darlene is a powerful worship leader and has been on our roster ever since we planned this cruise over a year ago. She and her family are great friends to all of us at the MWS camp. As some of you may know, within the past few months Darlene was diagnosed with breast cancer and, upon diagnosis, began immediate treatment. Knowing Darlene, we are certain that this will be yet another platform for her to draw others to Christ and to testify of His healing power and grace.

To focus most effectively on her treatment and healing it will be necessary for Darlene to be home in Australia at the time of our cruise. We, of course, understand and completely support this decision. We look forward to Darlene’s complete and total healing and look forward to hearing her testimony on a future cruise!

We are also excited that, in God’s provision, another dynamic singer-songwriter will be joining the cruise. Nichole Nordeman and her family will be spending the week with us and we couldn’t be more grateful. Her influential and passionate music will be such a great addition to our cruise.

Join Michael and our team as we not only pray for our cruise and all God has planned – but also please add Darlene and her family to your prayer list.

We so look forward to seeing you all in July. It will be here sooner than we can imagine. We can’t wait!

Visit Laura’s site at: www.nicholenordeman.com

Visit Darlene’s site at: www.darlenezschech.com

See you all in just a few short months!

BLESSINGS,

The MWS Team

04Feb

New Single: YOU WON’T LET GO – Now Available for Download!

February 4, 2014 MichaelWSmith.com 55

“You Won’t Let Go” – the first single from Michael’s upcoming album, Sovereign, is now available on iTunes and Amazon!

GET IT HERE: http://smarturl.it/YouWontLetGo

07Jan

New Single: YOU WON’T LET GO – Live from KLOVE

January 7, 2014 MichaelWSmith.com 60

Michael dropped by KLOVE to play his new song, YOU WON’T LET GO, for them… here’s that live version of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEQjRNxx_Ok

Be watching for the radio / album version to come your way VERY soon!

New album in-stores this May!

Listen Now:

19Dec

Michael takes over SIRIUS XM Radio Beginning Monday (Dec. 23) through Christmas!

December 19, 2013 MichaelWSmith.com 64

Michael W. Smith is once again taking over Sirius XM’S THE MESSAGE Channel starting Monday, December 23rd @ 6 pm eastern through Christmas day at midnight eastern.

(Get more info here. Not a Sirius XM Subscriber? You can sign-up for FREE and get a 30 day trial.).

Click here to read the full schedule – and make sure that you tune in and celebrate your Christmas this year with Michael W. Smith.