Granger Smith Reveals Why He Quit Country Music for Ministry: 'I Am Completely Surrendering'
Country star Granger Smith is revealing more details about his retirement from music and touring, saying he has a heart for defending the Christian faith and wants to help believers in the pews do the same.
Smith announced on social media this month that his current tour, the "Like a River" tour, would be his last one and that he had enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
He has been touring for 24 years and has released 10 studio albums, one live album, and two EPs. His 2015 hit Backroad Song peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Country Airplay list and No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Throughout his career, he had six songs in the Hot Country Top 50.
In a follow-up interview, Smith told Christian Headlines that he is working on a master of arts degree in apologetics. His new book, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, is scheduled to be released Aug. 1 (W Publishing Group).
Video created by Kayla Koslosky
Music courtesy: ©Soundstripe Library
Thumbnail: SWN Design/Getty Images/Rick Kern/Stringer
Originally published May 18, 2023.