Iconic singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart with his single “Waymaker” feat. 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