Smith, Leonard E. Jr (Lenny)

Leonard Smith (born August 29, 1942) is a singer, songwriter, and music publisher. His style of gospel-centered songs range from pop to folk to gospel and they all embrace a childlike simplicity. Lenny is best known in Christian music circles for writing the international worship standard "Our God Reigns" in 1973. Many popular Christian artists have covered this song including Phil Driscoll, Evie Tornquist, John Michael Talbot, Jimmy Swaggart, The Gaithers, Ken Copeland, New Life Worship, Carlton Pearson, Dana, LifeWay, and Marilla Hess, Word, Integrity Music, PTL, Maranatha! Music and Brentwood/Benson and Ronn Huff. In 2010, "Our God Reigns" was sung during the Papal Mass for Pope Benedict XVI in Bellahouston Park. It was a favorite of Pope John Paul II and was used during his visit in 1999 to North America and during a few of his convocations in South America.