Michael W. Smith turns 69 today, and his birthday offers a chance to look beyond the familiar songs and celebrated stage performances. Born in Kenova, West Virginia, the Christian music favorite has a story that includes childhood ambitions, a whirlwind romance, Hollywood, and a commitment to helping young people.
From the boy who dreamed of a different career to the musician whose influence reaches beyond his recordings, here are 10 things you may not know about Michael W. Smith.
1. The "W" Stands For Whitaker
His full name is Michael Whitaker Smith. Fans may affectionately call him "Smitty," but that distinctive middle initial has been part of the name audiences have known throughout his recording career.
2. He Wrote His First Song At Just Five Years Old
Smith's songwriting began long before recording contracts or concert tours. According to his FamilyLife biography, he composed his first song at five-a remarkably early start for someone who would make music his life's work.
3. He Originally Dreamed Of Playing Professional Baseball
Music was not his only childhood passion. Smith loved baseball and imagined becoming a professional player, making the ballpark an early contender for the future that eventually unfolded behind a piano.
4. His College Career Lasted One Semester
Smith attended Marshall University in West Virginia before leaving after one semester and moving to Nashville to pursue music. In 1992, he received an honorary doctorate of music from Alderson-Broaddus College.
5. He Proposed To Debbie After Just Three And A Half Weeks
Smith did not take long to decide he had met the woman he wanted to marry. In an interview with CBN, he recalled becoming engaged to Debbie just three and a half weeks after their first date-a whirlwind beginning to one of the defining relationships of his life.
6. He Founded A Youth Hangout Before Launching His Record Label
Smith founded Rocketown in 1994 to give teenagers a safe, welcoming gathering place. The original venue included a dance floor, pool tables, and a coffeehouse; after its closure, the ministry continued and reopened in downtown Nashville in 2003.
7. He Helped Launch Chris Rice's Recording Career
In 1996, Smith established Rocketown Records with music executive Don Donahue. Chris Rice was the label's first artist, giving Smith another way to shape Christian music by helping other musicians find their audience.
8. A Gathering At His Farm Helped Become A Church
A prayer group meeting at Michael and Debbie's farm developed into something larger. In 1999, the couple helped establish New River Fellowship, extending their involvement in Christian ministry beyond the concert platform.
9. He Took A Leading Role In A Feature Film
Smith stepped into acting with a lead role in the 2006 film The Second Chance, directed by fellow Christian musician Steve Taylor. The two discussed the project together on FamilyLife Today, revealing another creative side of the familiar singer and pianist.
10. One Of His Favorite Albums Features No Singing
For an artist recognized by his voice, Smith has a particular affection for instrumental music. In a 2012 Christianity Today interview, he identified Freedom as his favorite among his recordings and discussed Glory, his second all-instrumental album. His love of composition clearly extends beyond lyrics.
Together, these details reveal a musician whose interests and commitments stretch well beyond his best-known hits. As Michael W. Smith celebrates 69, there is plenty to honor: the melodies, the creative risks, the investment in young people, and the faith that runs through his work. Happy birthday, Smitty.
