Not only did his hit song: "Place In This World," end up on the Christian music charts for a long time at number one, it crossed over into the mainstream music charts and reached number 6. His song: "I Will Be Here," crossed over to become a number one hit on several music charts. Both these songs are some of my all-time favorites from any genre.
His road wasn't easy in the beginning as he started abusing drugs and alcohol when he was a teen. He attended Marshall University for one semester and dropped out to move to Nashville. He got a job as a landscaper while also performing gigs at night at area bars.
At this time (1979), his drug use started getting out of hand and he ended up in rehab where he rededicated himself to being a Christian. His family were very religious. This time he decided to join a Christian band as their keyboardist but it didn't take long for the crowd to want to hear his voice as lead singer. Once he got out front singing he wasn't just great, he was a phenom and he was given a record contract.
Michael has been married for around 38 years and has five children. He was/is close friends with President G.H. Bush and President G.W. Bush and he sang out G.H.'s funeral. Is Michael bigger than the Beatles? Maybe not, but his record of success is unmatched by any music artist or group.