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Steven Curtis Chapman wanted to be a dentist. And Michael W. Smith wanted to play pro baseball.

But God got a hold of both guys late in their teen years and set 'em straight. He told Steven to put away the biology books and keep plucking away at his guitar strings. He urged Michael to hang up the bat and glove and keep plunking away at the piano keys.

Christian music lovers everywhere are grateful for those decisions. Altogether, these guys have made 27 albums and hundreds of songs of hope, healing and inspiration for millions around the world.

Campus Life readers may be the most appreciative of them all. For a dozen years, CL readers have chosen either Michael or Steven as Best Christian Male Artist in our annual Music Awards survey.

We thought it would be cool to interview both guys. Together. Surprisingly, that had never been done before.

So we're proud to give you some excerpts from the first-ever interview with Steven and Michael, in which we talked about a little of almost everything—long hair, fan letters, lasting popularity, and, of course, each other.

When did you guys first hear of each other?

Steven: I was a freshman at Anderson College in Indiana. Somebody in the dorm had Michael's first record, and he said, "You've gotta hear this. This is awesome." I listened, and I thought, Man, this guy is a contemporary musical genius. I'd been a huge Christian music fan, listening to the Imperials and other Southern Gospel stuff, but this was so different. Michael was doing a new thing with electronic music, and it was exciting and inspiring.

Michael: The first time I heard anything by Steven was on the radio. But I also remember the first time I saw him, at the 1988 Dove Awards. I remember thinking, Who's the long-haired blond guy? But I was still in the long-haired stage then too.

Steven: Weren't we all? (Both guys laugh.)

Michael: Yeah, we thought we were hip, cool and groovy.

Steven, what's your favorite Michael W. Smith song?

Steven: He's written so many great songs, and I've always loved his worship songs. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say "Great Is the Lord." I just love the truth of that song. That song has inspired me for years.

Michael, what's your favorite Steven Curtis Chapman song?

Michael: "I Will Be Here." It's a hit. It connects. I love the melody.

You both get lots of fan mail. Michael, I recently read a letter from a 15-year-old guy who says your Live the Life CD helped his dad recover from drug addiction and depression. He also said your music made a big difference in his own life. How do letters like that affect you?

Michael: I'm kind of in awe of it, really. For some reason, the Lord has given me a platform to be able to proclaim the gospel and change people's lives. I think, Lord, what were you thinking? You must have a sense of humor. But that's God. He can take somebody who's weak, and inspire a simple song like "Live the Life" or whatever it is, and somebody's life is changed forever. That's incredible.

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