Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael W. Smith

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2025

How Michael W. Smith built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Michael W. Smith is a highly successful American musician recognized in both contemporary Christian and mainstream music. His 1991 hit, "Place in This World," reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his peak mainstream success. Smith has sold over 18 million albums throughout his career, solidifying his impact on the music industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Acting debut in Secret Adventures: "Shrug"

In 1994, Michael W. Smith made his acting debut as Billy Holden in Secret Adventures: "Shrug".

1994: Opened Rocketown Teen Club

In 1994, Michael W. Smith opened a teen club named Rocketown in Nashville, Tennessee.

1995: Chris Rice Wrote "Go Light Your World"

In 1995, Chris Rice, who would later be signed to Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records, wrote "Go Light Your World", which became a No. 1 hit song by Kathy Troccoli.

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1996: Opened Rocketown Records

In 1996, Michael W. Smith opened his own record label, Rocketown Records, named after a song on his third album The Big Picture. The first artist signed was Chris Rice.

2004: Performed at Republican National Convention

In 2004, Michael W. Smith was invited to perform "There She Stands" at the Republican National Convention.

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2006: Founding pastor of New River Fellowship Church

From 2006, Michael W. Smith was the founding pastor of New River Fellowship Church in Franklin, Tennessee.

2006: Lead actor in The Second Chance

In 2006, Michael W. Smith starred as the lead actor in "The Second Chance", a film directed by Steve Taylor. He also contributed to the score and soundtrack.

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2008: Left lead pastor position at New River Fellowship Church

In 2008, Michael W. Smith stepped down as the lead pastor of New River Fellowship Church in Franklin, Tennessee.

2015: Starred in 90 Minutes in Heaven Film Adaptation

In 2015, Michael W. Smith played Cliff McArdle in the film adaptation of "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper. He also collaborated with his son on the film's score and soundtrack.

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90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life

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March 20, 2016: Starred as James in The Passion

On March 20, 2016, Michael W. Smith starred as James the disciple in "The Passion", a live musical film aired on FOX.

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February 28, 2018: Sang at Billy Graham's Memorial Service

On February 28, 2018, Michael W. Smith sang "Just As I Am" at the memorial service honoring Billy Graham at the United States Capitol rotunda.

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December 5, 2018: Sang at George H. W. Bush's Funeral

On December 5, 2018, Michael W. Smith sang "Friends" at the state funeral of former President George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

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