Martin James Smith (born 6 July 1970) is an English vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the frontman of the Christian rock and worship band Delirious?. He has been a solo artist since Delirious?' disbandment in 2009.
Before becoming a full-time musician, Smith was a sound engineer at ICC studios in Eastbourne. In 1992, Smith—along with Stewart Smith (no relation) and Tim Jupp—formed The Cutting Edge Band (Delirious?' former name).[1]
In 1995, Smith and his wife were involved in a near-fatal car accident, and during the weeks of his recovery, he decided to become a professional musician. This inspired him to write the song "August 30". In 1996, the band—now known as Delirious?—became a full-time endeavour, producing songs such as "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "History Maker", and "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?". In 2009, the band announced a break at the end of the year to focus on things close to them. Smith said that he wanted to spend time with his family and devote more time to the CompassionArt project,[2] headed by himself and his wife.[3] Delirious? released a various artists album in January 2009, with Smith appearing on three tracks, and the group later confirmed that they were disbanding permanently after a final concert in November 2009.
In 2012 and 2013, Smith independently released four EPs, titled God's Great Dance Floor: Movements One through Four. The title track was co-written with Chris Tomlin. In 2013, he released his first full albums God's Great Dance Floor Step 01 and God's Great Dance Floor Step 02, each containing the songs from the four EPs, plus new tracks.
Smith has also collaborated with the other members of Delirious? on the 2007 book I Could Sing of Your Love Forever: Stories, Reflections and Devotions.[4] In 2011, he released his autobiography, Delirious: The Autobiography of Martin Smith.[5]
Smith has been married to Anna since 1994. She is sister to Delirious?' former bass player Jon Thatcher.[6] They have six children.[7] Their daughter Elle Limebear is a worship singer.
As a solo artist
With Delirious?
With Delirious? and Amy Grant
With Delirious? and Hillsong
With Delirious? and André Valadão
With Stu Garrard
With Matt Redman
With Graham Kendrick
With Darlene Zschech
With Michael W. Smith
With Taylor Sorenson
With Jars of Clay
With Tim Hughes
With CompassionArt
With Israel Houghton
With Parachute Band
With Jesus Culture
With LZ7
With Army of Bones