(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) November 11, 2008 – Two GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-Platinum selling artists, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith joined forces for the “The United Tour” which concluded in St. Augustine, Fl. on November 8.
Smith and Chapman performed together in 20 major markets with 14 completely sold out shows and a cumulative audience of more than 50,000. In addition to uniting on stage, the two also brought their ministry passions together. Through a ground breaking partnership between Chapman’s ministry dedicated to orphan care, Shaohannah’s Hope (www.ShowHope.org) and Smith’s long-time ministry partner, Compassion International (www.compassion.com) more than 2,000 orphaned children in Compassion’s program around the world were sponsored as a result of the tour.
Andrew Kaplan, with Chicago-based JAM concerts, shared, “Each of these beautiful evening concerts offered terrific variety. Fans were very moved and there was such a feeling of community in the room.”
“This has truly been one of the greatest tours we’ve had the privilege to participate in,” said Chaz Corzine, Michael W. Smith’s manager. “Michael and Steven have been friends for years and really connected on a creative level while overseas together working on the Compassionart project. I think they have such great respect for each other and each other’s music; it was inevitable they’d eventually work together.”
“We’re grateful to have been a part of this memorable and historic event,” commented Chapman’s manager Jim Houser. “The collaboration and partnership on tour of these two incredible men was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.”
Chapman commented, “This time on the road with my great friend and touring partner Michael was truly a gift. In this difficult season, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to do it. I’m grateful to all involved and look forward to the chance to join together again soon.”
Smith, shared, “This was one of the most special tours I’ve been on. While this was a big tour, Steven and I, along with our families, got to connect with so many people on a personal level. It’s a tour I’d love to do again very soon.”
The upcoming “It’s A Wonderful Christmas” Tour, featuring Melinda Doolittle, will launch on November 29 in Youngstown, OH and will play 16 shows in 13 markets before wrapping up in Phoenix, Ariz. on December 19th. Tickets for this tour are already on sale. Further information can be found on www.michaelwsmith.com
This past week, the third single off Chapman’s most recent release This Moment, ”Yours” topped R&R’s soft AC chart. It is Steven Curtis Chapman’s 45th No. 1 single. “Yours” also climbed further into the top 10 at R&R’s AC chart. “Yours (new verse)” is available digitally with an additional verse written and recorded after the loss of his daughter that allowed Chapman to acknowledge his experience. “Yours” follows the hit Christian and mainstream single “Cinderella” a song written by Chapman compelling us to cherish every moment to the fullest with those that we love, especially our children.
About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith’s third worship album A New Hallelujah (10/28/08), features The African Children’s Choir, 2008 GRAMMY Award-Winner, Israel Houghton, a 250-voice choir and an audience of more than 12,000. The album was recorded live on June 20 in Houston, TX, and debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Christian Sales chart and No.19 on the Billboard Top 200.
Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11, 2001, and has sold more than a-million-and-a half copies. It’s follow up Worship Again released September 19, 2002, and is nearing the 800,000 mark.
Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 prior albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.
Over his 25-year career, Smith has used his platform as a leader and acclaimed entertainer to serve, teach, and lead offstage. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.
About Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and seven RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his Dove and GRAMMY ® awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 45 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 54 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has recorded sixteen projects with Sparrow Records.
He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, CBS This Morning and CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and more. More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth created Shaohannah’s Hope after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. For further information on Shaohannah’s Hope the adoption ministry of Steven Curtis Chapman, please visit: www.stevencurtischapman.com.
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