Together, the new albums have become Michael’s 30th and 31st Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history.

Released Feb. 16, Michael’s USA Today, Billboard, Yahoo! Music -acclaimed studio album, A Million Lights, debuted at No. 1 on the SoundScan Christian retail chart while holding the No. 1 position most of release week on iTunes and Amazon.com’s Christian music charts. The recording includes the lead single/video and title track along with “Love Always Wins,” “Crashing Waves,” “Revolution” and “Footsteps,” which was recently added to Spotify’s “Top Christian” and “New Music Friday Christian” playlists. Apple Music also featured the album in their “The Hottest New Music” newsletter.

One week following A Million Lights, Michael’s highly anticipated, live worship album Surrounded released (Feb. 23) amidst 5-star acclaim and became Amazon.com’s No. 1 “Hot New Release.” The recording features the declarative “Surrounded (Fight My Battles),” “Light To You” and “Build My Life,” which Michael also released as a video Feb. 23 on his Facebook and YouTube sites. Parade says the album highlights Michael’s “masterful blend of uplifting messaging, brilliant song writing, solid musical talent and a desire to instill faith and hope into his listeners.”

Parade will also highlight both of Michael’s new albums during a live-stream “Backstory: Music and Conversation with Michael W. Smith” event to be held Monday, March 12 beginning at 7:00 pm EDT from The Cutting Room in New York, NY.

The new albums were further highlighted in an hour-long “Praise” feature on TBN that can be viewed now at TBN.org, while CBN’s “The 700 Club” featured Michael and his new projects Feb. 22.

In addition to the new music, Michael received the distinct honor to lead “Just As I Am” Feb. 28 during the memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda honoring the late Rev. Billy Graham and “Above All” during the service held March 2 in front of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.

Sharing a musical tribute to Rev. Graham, along with the new music and fan favorites from his extensive repertoire on the road, Michael’s full-production, “Surrounded By A Million Lights World Tour” launches in Rochester, MN today (March 8). Presented by Compassion International, this spring leg of the tour is joined by special guest Nathan Tasker and traverses the Eastern half of the US into 19 cities before wrapping up May 11 in Houston, TX. Michael also works into his schedule his 10-day “Israel Tour 2018” beginning April 10. For all his latest tour detail, go to http://michaelwsmith.com/tour/.

“I am not sure that I have been more excited about a tour in my entire life. Grateful!” exclaims Michael following tour rehearsals this week.

In many ways, Michael is a statesman, at the fulcrum of Christian music in pivotal moments. It is said that the heart of a lion never goes away, and Michael isn’t content staying with the equilibrium. At a loss for what his voice should be toward the end of 2016, this prolific artist comes roaring back with A Million Lights and Surrounded.

“Until the world ends, music is the most powerful language there is,” says Michael. “It can transform your life on every level, not just the spiritual. It can help people reconnect with why they’re here.”

For all the latest Michael W. Smith tour dates and more news, go to www.michaelwsmith.com

About Michael W. Smith:

Michael has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 30+ years. During his storied career, he’s written 32 No. 1 singles, been honored with three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. He’s also given back to the global community. Michael 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.

About The Fuel Music:

Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings nearly 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award nominated, multi-platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at www.thefuelmusic.com.

For more info on Michael W. Smith, visit the JFH Artists Database.

 

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