Gospel Legend Richard Smallwood Passes Away at 77, Leaving a Lasting Impact

Richard Smallwood, a celebrated gospel singer and recording artist renowned for his profound impact on the genre, has died at the age of 77. He passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, due to complications from kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland. His representative, Bill Carpenter, confirmed the news, highlighting Smallwood’s lifelong dedication to music.

Smallwood faced health challenges for many years, but according to Carpenter, music provided him with strength and resilience. “Richard was so dedicated to music, and that was the thing that kept him alive all these years,” Carpenter stated. “Making music that made people feel something is what made him want to keep breathing and keep moving and keep living.”

Influential Contributions to Gospel Music

Throughout his illustrious career, Smallwood received eight Grammy Award nominations and his music resonated with audiences worldwide. Esteemed artists such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men have performed and recorded his songs. His composition “Total Praise” became a modern hymn, beloved across various Christian denominations.

Singer and songwriter Chaka Khan expressed her admiration for Smallwood on social media, reflecting on his profound influence. “His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me,” Khan wrote. “He is my favorite pianist, and his brilliance, spirit, and devotion to the music have shaped generations, including my own journey.”

Born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, Smallwood displayed musical talent from a young age. By the time he was five, he could play piano by ear, and by seven, he was taking formal lessons. He formed his own gospel group by the age of 11 and was primarily raised in Washington, D.C., by his mother, Mabel, and his stepfather, Rev. Chester Lee “C.L.” Smallwood, who served as the pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church.

Smallwood’s remarkable journey in music continued at Howard University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in music. He was instrumental in the formation of Howard’s first gospel group, the Celestials, and was a founding member of the university’s gospel choir.

A Legacy That Endures

In 1977, Smallwood established the Richard Smallwood Singers, blending contemporary styles into traditional gospel music. His later ensemble, Vision, further solidified his place in gospel music history. “Total Praise” emerged as a defining anthem, transcending cultural and denominational boundaries, making its way into churches across the globe.

Carpenter emphasized the song’s universal appeal, stating, “You can go into any kind of church — a Black church, a white church, a nondenominational church — and you might hear that song. Somehow it found its footing throughout the whole Christian world. If he never wrote anything else, that would have put him in the modern hymn book.”

In recent years, Smallwood dealt with mild dementia and other health issues, which hindered his ability to record new music. Members of his Vision choir provided care during this time, embodying the community spirit that Smallwood nurtured throughout his career.

Khan poignantly remarked on Smallwood’s lasting impact, saying, “His legacy will live on through every note and every soul he touched. I am truly looking forward to singing with you in heaven.”

Richard Smallwood’s contributions to gospel music will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his spirit and artistry endure long after his passing.