Michael English is an American Christian singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his powerful voice and long career in gospel music.
He rose to prominence as a member of The Singing Americans, the Happy Goodmans, and the Gaither Vocal Band before finding success as a solo artist.
Throughout his career, Michael has earned multiple Dove Awards, released several hit albums, and become one of the most recognized names in contemporary Christian music.
Who is Michael English?
Michael English is a Grammy-nominated American Christian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has spent more than four decades in the gospel music industry.
He first gained attention as a member of The Singing Americans before joining the Happy Goodmans and later the Gaither Vocal Band.
His powerful tenor voice and emotional performances helped establish him as one of the leading artists in contemporary Christian music.
Michael rose to national fame with the Southern gospel classic I Bowed on My Knees (And Cried Holy) and went on to build a successful solo career.
His best-known songs include In Christ Alone, Mary, Did You Know, Holding Out Hope to You, and Your Love Amazes Me.
Over the years, he has won multiple Dove Awards, released several successful albums, and remained one of the most respected voices in contemporary Christian music.
His journey of faith, recovery, and redemption has also inspired many fans around the world.
Early Life of Michael English
Michael Dewayne English was born on April 12, 1962, in Kenansville, North Carolina, United States.
He was raised near Wallace, North Carolina, in a deeply religious Christian family by his parents, Aubine English and Grace English.
Music played an important role in family life, and Michael began singing at a very young age alongside his father and brother in the family gospel group, The Singing Samaritans.
Although very little public information is available about his siblings, it is known that his brother Biney English also performed with the group.
Growing up in a church-centered home, Michael developed a strong faith and a love for Southern gospel music that shaped his childhood and laid the foundation for his future career.
Those early performances gave Michael valuable stage experience and helped him develop his distinctive vocal style.
They also prepared him for a successful career in Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music.
Michael English Age
Michael English is 64 years old as of 2026, as he was born on April 12, 1962. According to his birthday, he falls under the Aries zodiac sign.
For more than four decades, Michael has built a successful career in contemporary Christian and Southern gospel music.
His powerful voice and lasting contributions have made him one of the genre’s most respected artists.
Michael English Nationality and Ethnicity
Michael English is an American by nationality. He belongs to the White ethnic background and was born and raised in North Carolina, United States.
Michael English Education
Michael English completed his early education in North Carolina, where he attended local schools while growing up in a Christian family.
Alongside his studies, he spent much of his childhood singing in churches and traveling with the family gospel group, The Singing Samaritans.
Those experiences allowed him to develop his musical talent from an early age.
After graduating from high school, Michael decided not to pursue a college education.
Instead, he chose to dedicate himself to a full-time career in gospel music by joining professional singing groups.
Years of performing, recording, and working alongside experienced gospel artists gave him valuable practical training that proved just as important as formal education.
This hands-on experience helped shape his vocal ability, stage presence, and songwriting skills, laying the foundation for his successful career in contemporary Christian music.
Early Gospel Beginnings (1972–1984)
Michael English began singing at a young age with the family gospel group, The Singing Samaritans, where he performed alongside his father and brother in churches across North Carolina.
Those early performances helped him develop his powerful tenor voice and deep appreciation for Southern gospel music.
After graduating from high school, Michael joined The Singing Americans, one of the leading Southern gospel groups of the time.
Michael’s recording of “I Bowed on My Knees (And Cried Holy)” became one of the Singing Americans’ most popular songs.
Its success introduced him to gospel audiences across the United States and established him as a rising star in Southern gospel music.
In 1982, he briefly performed with The Happy Goodmans, further strengthening his reputation as one of gospel music’s rising stars.
Success with the Gaither Vocal Band (1985–1991)
A major turning point came in 1985 when Michael joined the Gaither Vocal Band as the lead singer, replacing Gary McSpadden.
His rich vocals quickly became an important part of the group’s sound, and he appeared on several successful albums, including One X 1, Wings, A Few Good Men, and Homecoming.
Working with Bill Gaither introduced Michael to a much larger audience and established him as one of the leading voices in contemporary Christian music.
His performances with the group earned widespread praise and opened the door to a successful solo career.
Solo Success and Career Setback (1991–1999)
In 1991, Michael launched his solo career after signing with Warner Alliance.
His debut album, Michael English, featured popular songs such as In Christ Alone, Mary, Did You Know, and Solid as the Rock.
The album received critical acclaim and earned him two Dove Awards in 1992, including New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Michael released Hope in 1993, and the album became one of the biggest successes of his career.
Its popularity earned him four Dove Awards in 1994, including Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Only days after receiving those awards, Michael publicly admitted to an extramarital affair, which brought his career to an unexpected halt.
This controversy led to the loss of his recording contract and significantly reduced his presence in Christian music for several years.
In the years that followed, Michael explored mainstream music by releasing the pop album Freedom and recording the hit single Your Love Amazes Me.
At the same time, he worked as a producer and background vocalist while rebuilding his personal life and career.
Comeback and Return to Gospel Music (1999–2013)
Michael gradually returned to gospel music after overcoming addiction and rebuilding his faith.
In 1999, Bill Gaither invited him to participate in the Gaither Homecoming series, where audiences warmly welcomed him back.
The successful appearances marked the beginning of his return to Christian music.
He released several albums, including Heaven to Earth, A Michael English Christmas, and The Prodigal Comes Home.
In 2009, Michael rejoined the Gaither Vocal Band, once again serving as lead vocalist.
During this period, he recorded albums such as Reunited, Greatly Blessed, I Am a Promise, and Pure and Simple.
In 2010, he underwent successful cervical spine surgery before returning to the stage later that year.
Solo Ministry and Recent Years (2013–Present)
Michael left the Gaither Vocal Band in 2013 to focus on his solo ministry and recording career.
Since then, he has released albums including Some People Change, Worship, Love Is the Golden Rule, and The Best of Michael English.
He has continued performing at churches, Christian conferences, gospel festivals, and Gaither Homecoming reunion events.
Today, Michael remains active as a gospel singer, songwriter, and speaker.
Along with performing across the United States, he frequently shares his testimony of faith, forgiveness, and redemption, inspiring audiences through both his music and his life story.
Michael English Songs
Michael English has recorded many popular gospel and inspirational songs throughout his career.
Some of his best-known songs include:
- I Bowed on My Knees (And Cried Holy)
- In Christ Alone
- Mary, Did You Know
- Holding Out Hope to You
- Your Love Amazes Me
- Heaven to Earth
- Healing (with Wynonna Judd)
- Feels Like Redemption
- Love Is the Golden Rule
- Finally Coming Home
Michael English Awards
Michael English has earned several awards for his outstanding contributions to contemporary Christian and Southern gospel music. Here are some of the most notable honors from his career:
- New Artist of the Year – Dove Awards (1992)
- Male Vocalist of the Year – Dove Awards (1992)
- Artist of the Year – Dove Awards (1994)
- Male Vocalist of the Year – Dove Awards (1994)
- Inspirational Song of the Year (“In Christ Alone”) – Dove Awards (1994)
- Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Hope) – Dove Awards (1994)
- Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album (Lovin’ Life, with the Gaither Vocal Band) – Grammy Awards (2010)
- Multiple Grammy Award Nominations – Various Years
What Happened to Michael English?
Michael English experienced a dramatic turning point in 1994, just days after winning multiple Dove Awards for his album Hope.
He publicly admitted to having an extramarital affair with fellow Christian singer Marabeth Jordan while both were married.
He lost his recording contract after the news became public, and many Christian radio stations stopped playing his music.
Michael also stepped away from the Christian music industry for several years while rebuilding his personal life and career.
His marriage also ended in divorce, making it one of the most difficult periods of his personal and professional life.
Over the following years, Michael worked to rebuild his life and career.
Michael released mainstream music, later returned to gospel music through the Gaither Homecoming series, and openly shared his testimony of faith, repentance, and redemption.
He eventually regained the support of many fans, rejoined the Gaither Vocal Band in 2009, and continues to perform as a respected Christian artist today.
What Kind of Surgery did Michael English have?
Michael English underwent cervical spine surgery on March 4, 2010, to treat problems affecting his neck and spinal column.
This procedure required him to take several months away from performing with the Gaither Vocal Band while he recovered.
His recovery was successful, and he returned to the stage in August 2010.
Since then, he has continued performing and recording music without any major publicly reported complications from the surgery.
Where does Michael English Live Now?
Michael English lives in the Nashville, Tennessee, area with his wife, Marcie Stambaugh.
He continues to record music, perform at concerts, and participate in Christian ministry while keeping his personal life private.
Michael English Net Worth
Michael English has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2026. He earns money through several sources connected to his music career.
Michael receives income from live concerts, church events, music streaming, album sales, publishing royalties, and licensing.
He also benefits from Gaither Homecoming projects, guest appearances, and sales of books and merchandise, making gospel music and ministry the primary sources of his income.
Michael English First Wife
Michael English’s first wife was Lisa Bailey, whom he married before rising to national fame in Christian music.
The couple built a family together and welcomed a daughter, Megan English.
During the early years of Michael’s successful career, Lisa supported him as he toured and recorded music.
However, their marriage ended after Michael admitted to an extramarital affair in 1994, a revelation that also led to one of the biggest controversies in his career.
Following the divorce, Michael later acknowledged the pain his actions caused and spoke openly about seeking forgiveness, rebuilding his faith, and moving forward with his life.
Is Michael English Still Married to His First Wife?
No, Michael English is no longer married to his first wife, Lisa Bailey.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1994 following his public affair. Several years later, Michael rebuilt his personal life and married Marcie Stambaugh in 2002.
Michael English Wife
Michael English is married to Marcie Stambaugh, a former executive in the Christian music industry.
They tied the knot in 2002 after reconnecting several years following his career setback in the 1990s.
Marcie has supported him through his journey of faith, recovery, and return to gospel music.
Michael has often spoken about her encouragement and credited her with helping him rebuild both his personal life and music career.
Their marriage has remained strong for more than two decades, and they continue to share a life centered on faith, family, and ministry.
Michael English Children
Michael English has two daughters, Megan English and Issabella “Bella” Grace English.
Megan is from his first marriage to Lisa Bailey, while Bella was born in May 2004 after Michael married Marcie Stambaugh.
Although Michael has spent decades in the public eye, he has made a conscious effort to keep his daughters’ lives private and away from media attention.
He has occasionally shared how proud he is of Bella, especially as she has grown and pursued her own interests.
Fatherhood has always been an important part of Michael’s life, and he has often spoken about the importance of faith, family, and unconditional love.
Despite the personal and professional challenges he has faced over the years, his daughters have remained a meaningful part of his journey and a source of joy and encouragement.
Michael English Height and Weight
Michael English stands approximately 6 feet, which is equal to 183 centimeters or 1.83 meters tall, and weighs around 82 kilograms, which is equal to 181 pounds.
His strong stage presence and distinctive voice have made him one of the most recognizable performers in gospel music.
Even in his sixties, Michael maintains a healthy appearance and continues performing at concerts and ministry events throughout the year.
Social Media Appearance
Michael English stays connected with fans through his official Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
He regularly shares music releases, concert schedules, ministry updates, behind-the-scenes moments, family highlights, and messages of faith.
Fans can also follow his latest performances, tour announcements, and special projects through his social media pages and official website.
Conclusion
Michael English has experienced remarkable success, painful setbacks, and an inspiring comeback throughout his career.
From becoming one of gospel music’s most celebrated vocalists to overcoming personal struggles through faith, he has continued to influence audiences with his music and testimony.
His lasting contributions to Christian music have earned him a respected place among the genre’s most recognizable artists.
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