New Hall Of Fame-ers

Some Christian music greats are headed for more fame.

Information from The GMA Foundation says that among others, they will induct artists Michael W. Smith and Dolly Parton into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Feb. 2 at The Richland Country Club in Nashville. The Imperials, featuring the original back-up singers for Elvis Presley and Hall of Fame members, will provide entertainment for the event.

Born in Kenova, West Virginia on Oct. 7, 1957, Smith wrote his first song at age five. In 1978 he moved to Nashville to work as a songwriter and in 1981, he signed to Meadowgreen Music as a staff writer, where over the next few years he provided gospel hits for such artists as Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant. He began touring as a keyboardist with Grant in 1982 and the following year, after releasing his first album, The Michael W. Smith Project, became her opening act. His debut album garnered him a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance. He became a headliner following the release of his second album, Michael W. Smith 2.

Now, a quarter century after his first taste of success, he has become one of the best-known names in Christian music with 18 albums, too many No. 1 hits to count, three Grammy Awards (amidst 13 nominations), 42 Dove Awards, and an American Music Award among countless other accolades. Beyond his own musical career, Smith was instrumental in launching a teen club in Nashville, a record label with an entirely new way of doing things (Rocketown Records), and even a church in Franklin, Tennessee.

Dolly Parton is a household name. Dolly Rebecca Parton, born January 19, 1946 grew up part of a poor, Pentecostal family of 14 in a small town in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. Her grandfather was a fiddling preacher who wrote Singing His Praise, which was recorded by Kitty Wells. At the age of 12, Parton was appearing on Knoxville TV and, at 13, she was already recording on a small label and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry. After graduating from high school in Sevier County in 1964, she moved to Nashville to launch her career as a country singer.

Parton is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, actor and philanthropist. In the 42 years since her chart debut, she remains the most successful female country music artist, with 26 No. 1 singles, a record for any female performer, as well as a record 39 Top 10 country albums. She also has the distinction of having recorded a Top 40 country hit in each of the last five decades.

Smith is being inducted into the contemporary/inspirational section while Parton of course heads for the southern gospel/country group. Until next week, God bless.

Christian Music News Source