Michael W. Smith celebrated his 30th #1 single this week as Here I Am secured the top spot on Radio & Record’s Inspirational Chart. This is Michael’s second consecutive #1 from Healing Rain. The album’s title track claimed #1s on the following charts: R&R’s Inspirational (10/24-12/12 – 8 weeks), AC Monitored (11/7 – 1 week) and AC Indicator (11/7-14 – 2 weeks). It was also #1 on CRW’s Inspirational chart (11/15-29 – 3 weeks).

While his music is celebrated at radio, “Smitty” continues to perform before crowds in sold out venues nationally and internationally. In October, he travels to Brazil and Europe for several events where ticket sales reflect a tremendous fan base. In just four weeks, more than 14,000 tickets were sold for his concert in Holland. Organizers are discussing the possibility of adding more seats to the venue in order to meet ticket demand. While in Europe, Michael will also visit countries including Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Healing Rain debuted at #11 on Billboard’s Top 200, while its title track rose to #1 on multiple radio charts. Smith, one of the most successful artists in Contemporary Christian music, has tallied 30 #1 singles, 14 Gold and five Platinum albums, 40 Dove Awards and three Grammy Awards. Sales of his 18 studio albums have topped 13 million. In addition to a non-stop concert schedule this summer and fall, including a stop in Toronto on September 17th at Paramounts Canada’s Wonderland for their annual Fall Celebration. Also scheduled at that event are Relient K, Hawk Nelson and Tehilla Worship Band. Visit YMZ’s Concerts section for up to date information.

Michael is readying for the release of The Second Chance, an independent feature film directed and co-written by Steve Taylor, where he makes his acting debut in a lead role. The Second Chance is currently slated to hit select theaters in early February, 2006. To hear audio samples of these chart topping songs from Healing Rain, check out Michael’s YMZ Artist Page. The album is currently available at Canadian Christian retailers nationwide. To locate the store nearest you, visit CMCStoreFinder.com.