Between the two of them, they’ve crafted a wealth of some of the most treasured songs in Christian music history. But when Amy Grant first met Michael W Smith, did she sense something special in the youthful keyboard maestro immediately?
“I knew he was very talented, and just so much fun to be around. When I first met Michael it was at a music publishing company. It was walking distance from the college where I was in school, and he said, ‘Hey, I’ve got some song ideas! Do you want to hear them?'”
“I wanted to stay in that room with that keyboard and that musician for as long as I could. I thought, this is a circle I want to be part of for the rest of my life. I never imagined when we were knucklehead kids that he would travel the world! He’s played in soccer stadiums in Brazil! I’m like, ‘You’re the kid from Kenova! Way to go buddy!'”
Amy was only 15 years old when she signed her first recording contract, and her first album released before she was a high school graduate. She reflects on the unique path that put her on, and offers her take on finding real purpose.
“When I go back and listen to those early recordings, they were so simple. I was a child! Not sophisticated in any way. And it was what it was. I will tell you the tricky thing – because that put me on a path – I never had to find a job. A job found me! And, at different times – as you know, we have a blended family of 5 kids, but I birthed 4 of those – I would have to throttle back. If somebody was turning 20 or 21, I couldn’t say, ‘Well, when I was your age I was working full time and going to school!’ I couldn’t say that!”
“My life was so different. It launched so early. To my kids I’ve just had to say, if you will pursue the things that matter to you – go find your passions. And in your passions, I believe God will find you.”
Amy Grant is the beloved recording artist who’s sold tens of millions of records. She’s getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her much-anticipated tour with her friend Michael W. Smith – featuring Marc Martel.
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On the Road with Amy Grant
