Iconic singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart with his single “Waymaker” featuring Vanessa Campagna.
The track also continues to climb on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, currently sitting at No. 3. “Waymaker” is Smith’s first non-holiday Billboard No. 1 since 2004.
“There is something incredibly special and meaningful about ‘Waymaker,’ and I think it going No. 1 at this trying time speaks to the message of the song. It is really resonating with people and giving them hope,” Smith says. “I would also truly like to thank everyone who has worked so hard on this project, including Vanessa Campagna who was absolutely sensational on both the English and Italian versions.”
“Waymaker” has become an international source of encouragement and recently, Smith and Campagna recorded an Italian version as a tribute to the country as they faced the pandemic. Smith will also be releasing both Spanish and Portuguese versions.
This fall Smith will be embarking on the extension of his ’35 Years Of Friends,’ tour promoted by AWAKENING EVENTS, celebrating the 35th anniversary of his groundbreaking hit, “Friends” and his now 36 No. 1 songs. The tour was in such demand this past fall that 20 more dates were added, as well as a Christmas tour.
Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, in 2019 Smith was honored with a star- studded tribute concert to celebrate his 35 No. 1 songs at Bridgestone Arena by a myriad of legendary performers including: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, CeCe Winans, The Oak Ridge Boys, Matt Maher, Mac Powell, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna and many more. His songs have touched some of the world’s most influential figures and he was privileged to perform “Friends” at the funeral services for his dear friends Reverend Billy Graham and President George H. W. Bush.
This is the first No. 1 at AC Radio for Tony Patoto & Doug Truex at The Fuel Music. The radio promotions team was led by Josh Lauritch, at 55 Promotion and Grant Hubbard, who has reached his first No. 1 after only one year as an independent.
“Waymaker” is featured on Smith’s album AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience, which was recorded live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Listen To ‘Waymaker By Michael W. Smith Ft. Vanessa Campagna & Madelyn Berry’;
About Michael W. Smith:
Michael has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35 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. His most 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. 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. He has also written several best-selling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and live in Nashville.
