Samantha Sang

In 2004, and residing again in Melbourne, Sang announced that she would return to live performing, and announced that her three albums would be released for the first time on CD. The song is about America's ability to rise from the ashes and remain strong even after such horrific events. The song did not become a hit, and her career faltered. Smith mentioned that the President, a personal fan of the artist, had asked him to attempt to write a song about the attacks. Determined to succeed on her own merits she would not record another Gibb song to capitalise on her success, and chose a disco song, "You Keep Me Dancing" as her next single release. Bush in the Oval Office in October of 2001, a short time after the attacks. It reached number 3 on the US charts in 1978, and earned Sang a platinum record. In introducing the song before he performed it, he made remarks about meeting personally with President George W.

The Gibb brothers wrote another song for her, which coincided with their huge level of popularity, and the single "Emotion" (with back-up vocals by the Bee Gees) became a major hit worldwide. He performed this song live for the 2004 Republican National Convention. By the mid 1970s she had changed her name to Samantha Sang and had moved to the United States where she renewed her acqaintance with the Bee Gees. Smith wrote a song entitled "There She Stands," prompted by the |September 11th terrorist attacks. Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees wrote "The Love Of A Woman" for her, and her recording began a hit in some European countries. After two decades, Smith finally won the coveted Male Vocalist of the Year award at the GMA Music Awards in 2003. She travelled to the United Kingdom and performed with such groups as Herman's Hermits, The Hollies and the Bee Gees. A Worship Again DVD was released in 2002, which immediately topped the Billboard video charts.

She quickly became a well known celebrity on Australian television but she felt her career was limited if she remained in Australia. Both albums were recorded live in concert. By the age of 15 she had her first hit record in Australia, with the song "You Made Me What I Am", and she won a "Best Female Vocalist" award. The following year, Smith released an all praise and worship album, called Worship, which was followed by a sequel, Worship Again. Born Cheryl Gray, she began her singing career at the age of 8 on Australian radio, and during this time she entered and won several talent quests. Nearly all of Smith's albums contain at least one instrumental track, and in 2000, Smith recorded his first all instrumental album, Freedom. Samantha Sang (born August 5, 1953 in Melbourne, Australia) is a singer. He states the label is driven by the artists, and one of its first artists signed was Chris Rice, who had written "Go Light Your World," a #1 hit song by Kathy Troccoli, in 1995.

In 1996, Smith opened his own record label (although he does not record on it), Rocketown Records, named for a teen club which he established for Christian youth in the Nashville area. Smith had been asked to perform at some of the memorial services that were held in honor of the victims, which made a huge impression on Smith. In 1999, Smith released This Is Your Time, largely inspired by the Columbine shootings. Also in 1998, Smith released his second Christmas effort, Christmastime.

That album was followed by 1992's Change Your World, 1995's I'll Lead You Home and 1998's Live The Life. In 1990, Smith released Go West Young Man, which was his first real mainstream effort. The following year, Smith recorded his first Christmas album. After the release of his 1988 effort, I 2 eye, Smith once again teamed up with Amy Grant for her "Lead Me On World Tour".

In 1986, Smith released the critically acclaimed rock effort The Big Picture, with well known record producer Johnny Potoker (Brian Eno, Genesis, Madonna, No Doubt, Talking Heads, etc). By the time Smith's second pop album was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. He would eventually become Grant's opening act, and recorded his first Grammy nominated solo album, Michael W. Smith Project (which he also produced), in 1983, on the Reunion label, a label started by Grant's brother-in-law, Dan Harrell, along with Michael Blanton. In 1981, Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he racked up a number of highly successful gospel hits penned for artists like Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her Age to Age tour.

He cleaned up his substance abuse problem and began playing keyboards for the CCM group, Higher Ground. In October of 1979, Smith suffered an emotional and mental breakdown that awakened a recommitment to the Christian beliefs of his childhood. Nevertheless, he was able to get through a couple of years of college and develop his songwriting skills with various local bands. By the time Smith graduated from high school, he had found himself with serious drug and alcohol abuse problems.

By 2003, he had 10 gold records and 3 platinum records. Smith had sold more than seven million records and had 25 #1 hit songs. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts, and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Since his first solo project in 1983, Smith has become one of the most popular artists in the Contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream.

Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia), often nicknamed "Smitty", is an American singer, songwriter and keyboardist.