Renowned gospel singer and Grammy-nominated recording artist Richard Smallwood has passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing facility in Sandy Spring, Maryland. His representative, Bill Carpenter, confirmed the news, highlighting Smallwood’s long-standing health struggles and his unwavering dedication to music as a source of strength throughout his life.
Smallwood’s musical legacy extends far and wide, with his songs being performed and recorded by notable artists such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men. Whitney Houston famously featured Smallwood’s song “I Love the Lord” in the film “The Preacher’s Wife” back in 1996, showcasing the impact of his music beyond the gospel genre.
Chaka Khan, a fellow musician, expressed her deep admiration for Smallwood’s influence on her musical journey, emphasizing his unparalleled talent as a pianist and his profound devotion to music that has inspired generations.
Born in Atlanta on November 30, 1948, Smallwood displayed musical prowess from a young age, starting to play the piano by ear at just five years old. Raised primarily in Washington, D.C., by his mother and stepfather, who was a pastor, Smallwood’s musical journey flourished at Howard University, where he played a pivotal role in the university’s gospel choir and later founded the Richard Smallwood Singers.
One of Smallwood’s most iconic creations, “Total Praise,” became a beloved hymn transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with diverse audiences worldwide. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Smallwood’s musical impact endures through the hearts he touched and the melodies he shared with the world.
The legacy of Richard Smallwood, a true music pioneer, will be cherished for years to come, resonating through the timeless notes that defined his remarkable career.