A solo artist, producer, and composer who enjoyed success in both the secular and CCM arenas,
Michael Omartian first surfaced during the early '70s as a top session keyboardist, playing on albums by artists ranging from
Steely Dan to
the Four Tops to
Loggins & Messina before making his solo debut with 1974's Myrrh label release
White Horse. In 1975, he and producer
Steve Barri formed the Los Angeles studio group
Rhythm Heritage, topping the pop charts early the following year with their theme to the ABC television series S.W.A.T.; "Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)" appeared in 1976, but was the unit's last effort of note. After helming
Alan O'Day's 1977 chart-topper "Undercover Angel,"
Omartian graduated to the top ranks of producers through his work with singer/songwriter
Christopher Cross, collaborating on a series of hits including the Grammy winning "Sailing," "Ride Like the Wind," and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)." From there, he produced sessions for
Rod Stewart and
Donna Summer, focusing increasingly on CCM projects in the years to follow through work with
Gary Chapman,
Kathy Troccoli, and
4 Him. In addition to his solo releases,
Omartian also recorded several albums with his wife, Stormie. ~ Jason Ankeny