| A solo artist,
producer and composer who enjoyed success in both the secular
and CCM arenas, Michael Omartian first surfaced during the early
1970s 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, colla- borating 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.
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