Gospel music mourns the loss of one of its most influential voices. Richard Smallwood, a Grammy‑nominated singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer whose work helped shape contemporary gospel worship across generations, has died at the age of 77.
His passing was confirmed Tuesday; he died from complications related to kidney failure at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
Smallwood’s impact on gospel music is profound and far‑reaching. Born November 30, 1948, in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., he began playing piano by ear at age five and pursued formal musical training from a young age.
After studying music at Howard University, where he earned degrees in classical vocal performance, piano, and a master’s in ethnomusicology, he became a foundational figure in gospel music.
In 1977, Smallwood formed The Richard Smallwood Singers, a group that would introduce a sophisticated mix of traditional gospel with contemporary and classical influences. Their self‑titled 1982 debut album spent an impressive 87 weeks on Billboard’s Spiritual chart.
Smallwood’s songwriting and musical vision helped craft several gospel standards that became staples in churches around the world. Songs like Total Praise, Center of My Joy, and I Love the Lord resonated far beyond the choir lofts, with the latter notably performed by Whitney Houston on the soundtrack of The Preacher’s Wife.
Destiny’s Child also helped bring his music to wider audiences with their rendition of Total Praise as part of a gospel medley.
Over a career that spanned nearly five decades, Smallwood earned multiple accolades, including eight Grammy nominations, numerous Stellar and Dove Awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006. His influence extended into film, television, and live performance, and he even performed for U.S. presidents, all while mentoring young musicians and enriching the worship experience for congregations worldwide.
In addition to leading The Richard Smallwood Singers, he later formed the ensemble Vision, continuing to release impactful albums well into the 2010s. His 2022 album Promises featured the widely praised song Trust Me.
Smallwood’s legacy transcends charts and awards. His compositions are sung in churches across continents, studied by music students, and cherished by listeners whose lives were touched by his gift for marrying melody with meaning. His influence on gospel music and the many artists he inspired ensure that his songs will continue to lift spirits long after his passing.
He is survived by extended family and those countless artists and fans who carry forward the songs he wrote with faith, passion, and love.
