[Mickey]

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) August 29, 2002 – Michael W. Smith’s August 20 release, DVD-Video/VHS titled Worship, has debuted at the number-one spot on the Billboard Top Music Videos chart which, this week , also included projects by U2, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis.

The Worship DVD/VHS initial shipment qualifies it for RIAA Gold certification which will be made official within the next three weeks. In addition to the stellar performance of the DVD, scans for the platinum-certified Worship album doubled from the previous week causing retailers to scramble for additional stock.

Don Noes, sr. vice president for Provident Music Distribution, comments, “The phones have been ringing off the hook with stores calling to increase their orders on both the album and DVD. We have all hands-on-deck working to keep these on store shelves. We’re looking forward to the momentum produced by the DVD and the amazing music yet to come with Worship Again releasing in October.”

Dean Diehl, sr. vice president and general manager, Reunion Records adds, “This is further proof that Michael W. Smith has reached a whole new level as a major recording artist. His drawing power at retail rivals many of the biggest names in POP music.”

The Worship DVD/VHS was recorded earlier this year in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, before 15,000 youth at YC 2002, an annual, multi-denominational youth conference. The project features six new worship songs, as well as a making-of segment, commentary, behind-the-scenes footage and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

In June 2001, Smith recorded the CD Worship in Lakeland, Fla., before 10,000 people. The CD far exceeded sales expectations, noted as last year’s fastest-selling album of 2001, certified gold by the RIAA in only 14 weeks from its September 11 release date; and surpassing its recent platinum certification. Worship won this year’s Dove Award for Praise & Worship Album of the Year. “Above All,” one of the album’s signature songs, garnered a 2002 Dove for Inspirational Song of the Year.

Multi-platinum, multi-GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith is one of the most influential figures in Christian music. Over his 20-year career, Smith has garnered two GRAMMY Awards (along with numerous nominations) an American Music Award given in the Pop category, was named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and has garnered 34 Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year in 1999 and 2002. Smith’s career sales exceed nine million.

Nashville-based Reunion Records, a division of Provident Music Group - the Christian music arm of Zomba Music, celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year. In addition to Michael W. Smith, the label’s roster includes Joy Williams, Kathy Troccoli, LaRue, Daily Planet and NewSong.

For much more on Michael W. Smith, click here