Veteran recording artist/performer/worship leader Michael W. Smith joined an elite group of music industry figures today he was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame Sunday. The induction ceremony took place at the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. Joining Smith as part of the second class of artists were The Crickets, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Wynonna Judd, and Frances Preston.

Master of Ceremonies Bill Cody read the following introduction:

“Starting out as a songwriter and keyboard player for Amy Grant, Smith has since enjoyed 31 No. 1 hits, three Grammys®, an American Music Award, five platinum records, 16 gold records and 40 GMA Dove Awards. With record sales numbering more than 15 million throughout his career, Smith is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In 2006, he received an official White House appointment to serve as Vice Chair to the President’s Council for Service and Civic Participation. Smith believes in affecting culture by getting involved and giving of yourself. He serves through his church New River Fellowship in Franklin, TN, and through the work of Rocketown, a teen club, coffee house and skate park which he founded in downtown Nashville whose mission is to foster vital relationships between disenfranchised adolescents and Christian mentors. He recently released his 19th studio album for Reunion Records titled Stand.”

Before inducting Smith, actor James Caviezel shared his testimony and how Smith’s music had touched him during the filming of The Passion Of The Christ. Smith’s parents, wife Debbie and three of his five children were in attendance.

Bill Cody delivers the opening remarks

Jim Caviezel

A moment of reflection. Smith’s father is on the right

The proud inductee

The Smith Clan and Caviezel