The music world mourns the passing of Richard Smallwood, a renowned gospel artist and a profound source of inspiration, who has died at the age of 77. His representative confirmed that Smallwood succumbed to complications from kidney failure on Tuesday while receiving care at a rehabilitation and nursing facility in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
For many years, Smallwood faced various health challenges, but as his representative Bill Carpenter shared, it was his passion for music that provided him with resilience and purpose throughout his life. "Richard was profoundly committed to music, and it was this very commitment that sustained him through difficult times," Carpenter noted during an interview. "Creating music that resonated with people's emotions was what fueled his desire to live and thrive."
Throughout his illustrious career, Smallwood’s compositions were embraced by a plethora of prominent artists, including Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny's Child, and Boyz II Men. Notably, Houston introduced his poignant song "I Love the Lord" in the acclaimed 1996 film "The Preacher's Wife," a testament to Smallwood's far-reaching influence in the music industry, as highlighted in his biography featured in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Chaka Khan, a celebrated singer and songwriter, expressed her admiration for Smallwood on social media following his death. She stated, "He opened up my entire world of gospel music. His work didn't just inspire me—it transformed me. He is my favorite pianist, and his extraordinary talent, spirit, and dedication to his craft have influenced countless musicians, including myself."
A Trailblazer in Music
Born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, Smallwood showcased his musical talent early on, learning to play the piano by ear at just five years old. By the time he turned seven, he had begun formal piano lessons, and by age 11, he had already formed his own gospel group.
Raised primarily in Washington, D.C., by his mother Mabel and stepfather Rev. Chester Lee (C.L.) Smallwood, who served as the pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church, Richard's upbringing deeply influenced his musical journey.
An innovative force in the gospel genre, Smallwood made significant strides at Howard University in Washington, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in music. He was not only part of Howard's inaugural gospel group, the Celestials, but also played a pivotal role in establishing the university's gospel choir, as detailed in Carpenter’s obituary.
After earning his degree, Smallwood shared his expertise by teaching music at the University of Maryland. In 1977, he founded the Richard Smallwood Singers, infusing contemporary elements into traditional gospel music. This endeavor led to the creation of Vision, a large choir that brought to life some of his most beloved gospel anthems, including the widely cherished "Total Praise."
This particular song evolved into a modern hymn that resonated with individuals across diverse backgrounds and experiences. As Carpenter noted, "You can step into any church—whether it's a Black church, a white church, or a non-denominational one—and there’s a good chance you’ll hear that song. It has found acceptance throughout the entire Christian community. Even if Richard had never composed anything else, 'Total Praise' alone would secure his place in modern hymnody."
In a poignant moment, Stevie Wonder delivered a performance of "Total Praise" at the funeral of Dexter Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on February 10, 2024.
In recent years, Smallwood faced health struggles including mild dementia, which hindered his ability to record new music. During this time, members of his Vision choir provided him with support and care.
Chaka Khan beautifully summarized his enduring legacy, stating, "His influence will resonate through every note and every soul he touched. I eagerly await the day when I can sing alongside him in heaven."
Richard Smallwood leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us all of the transformative power of music.
