Marshall University Athletics
Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith to Perform Saturday as Marshall Remembers Those Lost
11/9/2020 4:06:00 PM | Football
Ceremony scheduled for 9, kickoff for noon
HUNTINGTON, W.Va.-Michael W. Smith, a three-time Grammy Award winner and Kenova native, will perform at the Memorial Fountain Ceremony and the national anthem for Marshall's noon game versus Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
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Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he's written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, won 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He has sold more than 15 million albums. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. He has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever.Â
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"I am so deeply honored to be performing at the Memorial Fountain Ceremony and have the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the game on Saturday at Marshall University to remember the victims of the plane crash on its 50th anniversary," said Smith. "Growing up in Kenova, I remember exactly where I was that day with my father and how the community rallied together. I am blessed to be able to be a part of this weekend." Â
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Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, attendance at the Memorial Fountain Ceremony is by invitation only and masks and physical distancing are required. Members of the public who want to attend the ceremony are asked to do so virtually by clicking on the link at livestream.com/marshallu at 9 a.m.
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The 16th-ranked Thundering Herd (6-0 overall, 3-0 C-USA) will host the Blue Raiders (2-5 overall, 2-3 C-USA) on Saturday with CBS Sports Network on the broadcast. Carter Blackburn, Aaron Murray and Jenny Dell will have the call.
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Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he's written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, won 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He has sold more than 15 million albums. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. He has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever.Â
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"I am so deeply honored to be performing at the Memorial Fountain Ceremony and have the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the game on Saturday at Marshall University to remember the victims of the plane crash on its 50th anniversary," said Smith. "Growing up in Kenova, I remember exactly where I was that day with my father and how the community rallied together. I am blessed to be able to be a part of this weekend." Â
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Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, attendance at the Memorial Fountain Ceremony is by invitation only and masks and physical distancing are required. Members of the public who want to attend the ceremony are asked to do so virtually by clicking on the link at livestream.com/marshallu at 9 a.m.
Â
The 16th-ranked Thundering Herd (6-0 overall, 3-0 C-USA) will host the Blue Raiders (2-5 overall, 2-3 C-USA) on Saturday with CBS Sports Network on the broadcast. Carter Blackburn, Aaron Murray and Jenny Dell will have the call.
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