Michael Omartian

Michael Omartian, active as a solo performer, producer, and composer across both mainstream and contemporary Christian music, first gained notice in the early 1970s as a leading session keyboardist whose credits included albums by Steely Dan, the Four Tops, and Loggins & Messina. He issued his own debut, the Myrrh label album White Horse, in 1974. In 1975 he joined producer Steve Barri to create the Los Angeles studio group Rhythm Heritage, which reached number one on the pop charts early the next year with the theme from the ABC television series S.W.A.T. The single "Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)" followed in 1976 but proved to be the ensemble’s final notable recording. After producing Alan O’Day’s 1977 chart-topping hit “Undercover Angel,” Omartian moved into the upper tier of producers through his extended partnership with singer-songwriter Christopher Cross that yielded several successes, among them the Grammy-winning “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do).” He went on to helm sessions for Rod Stewart and Donna Summer while shifting increasing focus to CCM projects that included work with Gary Chapman, Kathy Troccoli, and 4 Him. Apart from his solo output, Omartian also cut several albums alongside his wife, Stormie.