Renowned gospel singer and eight-time Grammy Awards nominee, Richard Smallwood, has passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from kidney failure. He died at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, as confirmed by his spokesperson, Bill Carpenter.
Smallwood, who battled health challenges for years, found solace and perseverance through his music, according to Carpenter. The power of creating music that resonated with people was his driving force to keep going and embrace life.
Throughout his career, Smallwood’s music touched many hearts and was embraced by notable artists such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men. Whitney Houston notably featured Smallwood’s song “I Love the Lord” in the 1996 movie “The Preacher’s Wife.”
Following Smallwood’s passing, singer and songwriter Chaka Khan expressed her admiration for the late artist, crediting him with broadening her appreciation for gospel music. She described Smallwood as her favorite pianist and praised his influence on generations of musicians.
Born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Smallwood showed musical talent from a young age, learning to play the piano by ear by the age of five. Raised primarily in Washington, D.C., by his mother and stepfather, who was a pastor, Smallwood’s passion for music led him to establish his own gospel group at just 11 years old.
Smallwood’s contributions to music extended to his time at Howard University, where he was part of the university’s first gospel group and later formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977. His innovative approach to blending contemporary sounds with traditional gospel music resulted in hits like “Total Praise.”
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Smallwood’s music continued to inspire and uplift audiences across different backgrounds. His enduring legacy as a music pioneer and his profound impact on the gospel music landscape will be remembered for generations to come.
The funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.’s son, Dexter Scott King, featured a performance of Smallwood’s iconic song “Total Praise” by Stevie Wonder at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on February 10, 2024.
As the music world mourns the loss of Richard Smallwood, his remarkable talent and spirit will be cherished through the timeless melodies that touched countless souls.