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Grant said her favorite portion of the concert is the unstructured time around the piano.. In addition to her six GRAMMY Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In a 2013interviewwith the LGBTQ news outlet PrideSource, Grant said she knew by the time she was 18 she had a gay fan base. He founded, and actively supports, the teen club Rocketown a nonprofit outreach for teens, providing opportunities in arts, music, sports and mentoring programs. I write about travel, design and culinary trends. Grant was then a student at Furman University. Smith's willingness to collaborate with Grant includes sharing his stage clothes with her. Of course, this should come as no surprise to Graham. I started looking forward to this years tour after the final encore of last years tour! exclaims Michael W. Smith. Over the years the worlds most famous performers have graced the stage at the Center, while subspecializing in community outreach by presenting over 200 free community events annually along with 3,000 classes and workshops. In 1997, after confiding in Billy Graham that her marriage was troubled because her first husband had a drug habit and was unfaithful to her, she never was invited to share the stage with the evangelist again. Im always a questioner. And they certainly were not supposed to remarry as quickly as she and Vince Gill did. Balsam Hill Present: CHRISTMAS WITH AMY GRANT AND MICHAEL W. SMITH This time of year is made even better because we get to spend the Christmas season on stage together.. With over six million Christmas records sold, her latest holiday offering includes a blend of heartfelt originals and Grants own spin on popular Yuletide classics, seamlessly weaving together the joy, love, laughter and even grief this season brings. AMY GRANT & MICHAEL W. SMITH CHRISTMAS #AmyGrant #MichaelWSmith # Im touring more this year than I have in a decade. With multiple sellout crowds celebrating the season with them last year, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith joint Christmas tours have become some of the most anticipated holiday events of the season. Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. Duets are sprinkled throughout. The Orpheum. It does not matter., Who loves us more than the one who made us? She was drawn to Smith by the contrast between the energy they embodied. Back in 2013, when asked about the politics of gay marriage, she said, I never talk about anything like that., At the time, Ross Murray, senior director of the GLAAD Media Institute, found Grants interview to be somewhat circumspect. BEWARE The Christian Music Industry | Amy Grant, Michael W Smith It is the only child sponsorship program to be validated through independent, empirical research. Id just say at this point its going the song route. Compassion partners with more than 6,700 churches in 25 countries to deliver its holistic child development program to over 1.8 million babies, children and young adults. To learn more about Compassion International, visitwww.compassion.com. For fans of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, the notion of the two of them sharing a stage is nirvana. We had a lot of holiday gatherings which were special, she recalls. Amy and I have both sponsored children through Compassion International literally for decades, reflects Michael. Despite being a little overwhelmed by Smith's energy, Grant remembers coming away agreeing that Smith was a fresh, talented voice. To accomplish this mission, our designers carefully craft trees to mimic nature using site visits and cuttings from live trees as a guide. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. The two worked together and toured together for the next three decades. Yet she kept going. Grants chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. I think it makesa really good combination.". Grant first met Smith in 1980 after her then boyfriend Gary Chapman introduced Smith to her. Michael W. Smith tribute concert: Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels added to all-starlineup, Michael W. Smith speaks about his early musical experiences, tribute concert celebrating Smith's 35-year anniversary, Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels added to all-star, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The authority of Gods Word is something we can never compromise on.. The Grant/Smith show, which over the years has become one of musics most highly anticipated Christmas tributes, will feature selections spanning the artists expansive Christmas repertoires and combine their vast collection of critically-acclaimed holiday albums. The two got introduced to each other by Grant's then boyfriend, Christian singer-songwriter Gary Chapman, who was writing for the same song publisher as Smith. Her performance and her look got kudos from a critic. All shows at Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre at Oakland University and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill are Rain or Shine events. Will events be cancelled due to rain, snow, or inclement weather? Its like doing a show with family, Grant said last week from her home in Nashville. Incorporating a full symphony orchestra at each performance, this musical mastery is being presented by Balsam Hill (www.BalsamHill.com . 8 p.m. July 29. Weve been doing this tour together for many years and it just never gets old. Combining for a vast collection of critically-acclaimed holiday albums between them, the 2017 Christmas tour will showcase selections spanning the artists expansive Christmas repertoires, including their most recent releases, Grants Tennessee Christmas, Michael W. Smiths The Spirit of Christmas and Jordan SmithsTis The Season. After joining Grahams crusades with Grant in 1994, Smith continued to sing for Billy and then for Franklin Graham in the decades that followed. In April of 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit Baby Baby with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. His most recent holiday release, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, featured collaborations with Carrie Underwood, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Bono, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Michael . Thats why, to me, its so important to set a welcome table. Smith was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 1990 - Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant Perform "Friends" at the Dove You may opt-out by. 313 Presents. Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith | 313 Presents It seems like such a great opportunity especially this time of year. On the bridge of the 1992 song, Grant sings, Somewhere alone, I will be praying you home, to which Smith echoes, Praying me home. Then the two of them join together singing, I know that somehow our love will lead me to your arms.. Jordan Smiths much anticipated debut album,Something Beautiful[LightWorkers Media/Republic Records], is available now everywhere. And its the truth," Grant said. Christmas is about hope and we all need to be reminded of that right now, says Grant. Toward the end of the film, theres a scene where Smith joins Grant on her farm. Generously co-billed to Michael W. Smith and Gary Chapman, A Moment in Time is basically a live mini-album by Amy Grant drawn from her 1988-1989 Lead Me On tour. Founder Thomas Harman was inspired to start Balsam Hill by a family member who was allergic to live trees but wanted to create a festive atmosphere in his home during the holidays. For more information on the upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, visitamygrant.com/tour, michaelwsmith.com/tourorjordansmithofficial.com/tour. Probably Lead Me On and Emmanuel. I hadnt done that one in forever and I love the arrangement, she said. We had so much fun together last year and it felt like our creative gifts complimented one another in a unique way. Grant also said she loves how Smith accepts her and others where they are. In many respects, she helped put Contemporary Christian Music on the map by becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. You can see the iconic Merlion spouting water in the distance, and just when the last song ends, the Merlion happens to stop spouting at the same time. Their friendship continues today asthey tour togethereach year during Christmas a 16-city tour currently under way and concluding just three days before Christmas. Michael, Jordan and I have been looking forward to touring together again all year! confirms Grant. "He'd sit down at the piano, and he'djump up with another one," she said. Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384 andon Twitter @bradschmitt. Grant recalls her reaction when she learned her niece had come out:What a gift to our whole family to just widen the experience of our whole family., Jesus, you just narrowed it down to two things: Love God and love each other., Grant told the Post: Honestly, from a faith perspective, I do always say, Jesus, you just narrowed it down to two things: Love God and love each other. I mean, hey thats pretty simple.. And that was before her nieces same-sex wedding on that very property. 2023 Baptist News Global. He has to know how she feels about her niece. Her other three children with first husband Gary Chapman Matt, Millie and Sarah -- are now college-aged adults. Amy Grant & Michael W Smith Piano Collection - YouTube Because I was invited to a table where someone said, Dont be afraid, youre loved. Gay. The Post reported: In recent years, she has voiced support for the LGBTQ community, where she has had a large fan base for decades. Having Michael Tait join us this year is something Amy and I are both looking forward to, Smith says. Shes referring to 10-year-old Corinna, her daughter with Gill. At one point there were five generations at the table. She began performing in high school at the age of 15 and always blended faith with pop to broaden the base of song content. BEWARE The Christian Music Industry | Amy Grant, Michael W SmithWhats happening to the Christian Music Industry? Performing with Amy and Jordan in front of a full symphony Orchestra is about as good as it gets for me!" Amy Grant is also excited about the whole collaborative affair. The holiday season can come and go so fast. Grant handles the majority of the first set solo and after an intermission, Smith launches the second half of the show. With stories of trials and triumphs . The former Contemporary Christian Music star who crossed over to mainstream appeal still maintains a wholesome churchgoing appeal and has moved from cautious to open talk of her support for the LGBTQ community. Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here. The 12-performance holiday concert run at Nashvilles famed Ryman Auditorium will kick off on December 11. "Hes really talented.". Michael W. Smith Releases 'Worship Forever' To Mark 20th - Forbes data.showing_start_time Its not unusual to see several generations of fans at her shows, clapping and singing along with every word. She was drawn to Smith by the contrast between the energy they embodied. But Smith also is good friends with the Grahams. Balsam Hill Present: CHRISTMAS WITH AMY GRANT AND MICHAEL W. SMITH (Official Press Release). The show, which includes more than 30 songs from the two artists, opens with both performing Grants wintry nostalgic ode, Stay for Awhile, and other songs. And Smiths friendship with Graham has led to an embrace ofChristian Zionism and Christian nationalism far from the image Grant projects. CHRISTMAS TOUR ANNOUNCED: 7 Concerts with Amy Grant kick off the tour What a coincidence!This arrangement and Performance: Eric LeeRecorded at Northwood Studios. Nov. 30 Oklahoma City, OK Crossings Community Church, Fri. Dec. 1 Tulsa, OK BOK Center, Sat. Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant on her farm, Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell, Lost Boys of Sudan: St. Johns Baptist Charlotte, Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church, Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center, Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio, Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), How Michael W. Smith, George W. Bush and one popular worship song expose the problem of Calvinist theology and politics. I rememberasking (Smith), Have you ever woken up in a bad mood, ever one time in your life? And he said, No.And its the truth.. How Michael W. Smith, George W. Bush and one popular worship song expose the problem of Calvinist theology and politics | Analysis by Rick Pidcock, Faith leaders make a case for Trump to the delight of some and dismay of others, Worship event on National Mall illustrates merger of evangelical music and politics. Nothing about who we are or what weve done. He metBilly Grahamin the 1980s while playing piano for Grant. The 23-year-old from Harlan, KY,Jordan Smith stands out as the highest-selling artist to ever emerge from NBCs EMMY AWARD-winning The Voice. In less than six months, he sold over 1 million singles and made Voice history by landing eight songs in the iTunes Top 10the first artist from any season to hit the iTunes Top 10 every single week of the Live Rounds. Her 1999 divorce from Gary Chapman set tongues wagging everywhere. www.jordansmithofficial.com. }}. As we started to plan the show, it was our goal to enhance peoples experience of the Christmas season by providing them a night of exquisite music and a message of hope, continues Grant. Thus, right on cue, Graham used Grants welcome of her niece as a way to warn of eternal hell fire: For me, loving others also means caring about their souls & where they will spend eternity. None of us are a surprise to God., She added: It doesnt matter how were wired. He recently completed a Master of Arts degree in worship from Northern Seminary. In 2021, Grant and Smith joined together as executive producers for the documentaryThe Jesus Musicthat tells the story of how Christian music grew out of the Jesus Movement of the 1970s into what it has become today. His recent studio album A Million Lights and worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. And fans will hear plenty of those this week. This show has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions!, In addition to the performance, and in support of their longstanding relationship with Compassion International, Michael and Amy are exclusively meeting with as many as 200 people in each city who sponsor a child through the organization prior to the concert and through the website www.meetamyandmichael.com. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. And he allows everyone to be who they are.". Smith has written and recorded over 36 No. Dec. 17. Want to share a story? Who can I contact? "I rememberasking him (once), 'Have you ever woken up in a bad mood, ever one time in your life?' Amy Grant will host a same-sex wedding, Franklin Graham objects, and As they approach a camp fire between the cabins, they settle down into a pair of wooden chairs to talk. He is such a gifted musician and I enjoy creating these special memories with him on stage. David Hamilton directs a full band and large vocal group. "Being in that first meeting with him was like standing in front ofa fire hose idea after idea after idea," Grant said in a phone interview with The Tennessean. In repudiation of its devastating Doctrine of Discovery, Vatican masks the history and responsibility of Catholic Church, $2.3B awarded in sex abuse lawsuit that named Mormon church, 60 years on, Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail relevant as ever, say faith leaders. Only songs written or co-written by them are included in this piano collection. The Tennessean 0:00 1:22 Amy Grant still laughs when she remembers the first time she met an excitable Michael W. Smith in 1980. Now, 30 years after penning these tender words, hes sitting with Grant beside a fire on her farm while she talks about fires that need tending. She speaks in general terms of loving and accepting everyone throughout her musical career. He concluded, If Amy Grant continues on her journey to advocacy for LGBT people, she will be in good company., In a 2021interviewwith Hannah Juanita on Proud Radio, Grant said: Who loves us more than the one who made us? THE SINS OF THE SINGER - The Washington Post Select three shows in the lineup and save up to 20%! But Ill tell you just the same that love will fan the flame. Author Jonathan Poletti wrote of Grant: If she was Cinderella, this was her midnight.. The highly anticipated show will feature selections spanning the artists' expansive Christmas repertoires and combine their vast . Smith and Grant, now in their early 60s, have lived much of that lifetime theyve sung about. Here's my piano tribute to the great Amy Grant and Michael W Smith. Its just been really enjoyable and I think maybe turning 50 [last November] really made me grateful for the chance to still do something I love, Grant said, then added with a laugh, Also, being down to one child at home helps, a child who I guess well be dragging on the road.. AMY GRANT, MICHAEL W. SMITH ANNOUNCE 2017 CHRISTMAS TOUR, FEATURING JORDAN SMITH, WINNER OF THE VOICE, FULL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Popular Annual Holiday Tour Presented By Balsam Hill Launches Nov. 11 In Omaha, NE, Amy, Michael Featured At Compassion Meet & Greet Events In Each Tour City. Michael W. Smith said: "I started looking forward to this year's tour after the final encore of last year's tour. Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith to Bring Christmas Tour to the Fabulous Even when I was discovering my own sexuality and meeting people that had a different experience, I didnt categorize then, and I dont categorize right now. Dec. 16 Fairfax, VA Eaglebank Arena, Sun. 2 on the Billboard 200, the highest ranking on the chart by any winner of a television singing competition in almost five years, making Smith the best-selling artist in the history of The Voice.. I really love the theater setting, and especially the exchange of energy with the audience. Olympia Development operates 32 parking facilities within The District Detroit. As the two of them sit there at Grants farm reflecting on their friendship and gentle reminders of fires that might need tending in their lives, one cant help but wonder what wasnt being said between the two of them, what both of them were thinking, given how their paths have diverged. Dislike Share Smitty Fan 3.34K subscribers. Recently inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in recognition of her significant contributions to Nashville and its musical heritage, Grant released Tennessee Christmaslast year, marking her first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years. Nov. 19 Portland, OR Moda Center, Sat. Amy Grant on Michael W. Smith: He's such a good man A decade after her cautious interview in support for LGBTQ persons, she came out in full support of the thing evangelical Christians fear the most: same-sex marriage. The pair recorded a soaring duet on Smiths Change Your World album called Somewhere, Somehow that had never been performed live until this 2 Friends tour. Nashville, Tenn. (June 1, 2021) Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith announced he will be re-recording and re-releasing his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20 th anniversary of the album's release on September 11, 2001. The Jesus Music | Official Movie Site | Lionsgate We are especially thrilled to be partnering with Balsam Hill this year and incorporating some of their beautiful pieces into our production. The two walk side-by-side up a gravel road Smith in his camouflage hat and plaid shirt and Grant in a plain T-shirt toward a set of three cabins that Grant explains were moved there in 1896. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith Headline Holiday Performance In Newark Of the eight songs that went Top 10 on iTunes, six hit Top 3, and three captured No. "You gotta meet this guy," Chapman told Grant, then a junior at Vanderbilt University. Their 2003 holiday performance with the Boston Pops Orchestra is musical magic. And among her favorites to perform? )#ccm #exposed #christianity Just bring a sleeping bag, a two-day picnic, and keep the fire going. "Its nice to have a work relationship that has zero pretense. Barely Anyone Reads the Bible in Germany. In support of their longstanding relationship with Compassion International, Grant and Smith will be bringing awareness to their child sponsorship experience at each show. Its so wonderful to put these shows together, says Grant, who since the early 1980s has been providing the public with an array of holiday shows that are both inspiring and emotive. Reuniting with Michael for a run of Christmas shows just feels right. The name of the excursion, which comes to Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Friday, is both a nod to their 1983 collaboration, the tender ballad Friends, and their own enduring connection. Grant will be a featured guest Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena for a tribute concert celebrating Smith's 35-year anniversary in the business. Smith was also honored with a star-studded tribute concert in Nashville to celebrate his career by a myriad of legendary performers.