At a Glance
- Gospel icon Richard Smallwood, 77, dies after kidney failure complications.
- Eight-time Grammy nominee, known for blending classical and gospel, wrote the hit “Total Praise.”
- His song “Total Praise” became a modern hymn embraced worldwide.
- Why it matters: His passing marks the loss of a pioneering voice who shaped contemporary gospel and inspired generations of artists.
Gospel singer and composer Richard Smallwood, 77, died Tuesday from complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland. The 8-time Grammy nominee was celebrated for fusing classical music with gospel and for writing the hit “Total Praise.” His death is a profound loss for the music community and beyond.
Life and Legacy
Born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Smallwood grew up in Washington, D.C., where his stepfather, Rev. Chester Lee “C.L.” Smallwood, served as pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church. From age five he played piano by ear, and by eleven he formed his own gospel group.
He graduated cum laude from Howard University, joined its first gospel group the Celestials, and later helped found the university’s gospel choir. After teaching at the University of Maryland, he formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 and later the Vision choir, producing classics like “Total Praise.”
In recent years, mild dementia and other health issues prevented him from recording, but Vision members cared for him until his passing.
Musical Milestones
Smallwood’s compositions have been recorded by Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men, among others.
His signature track “Total Praise” became a modern hymn heard in churches of all denominations worldwide. Bill Carpenter stated:
> “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.”
His style blended classical music with gospel, a pioneering approach praised by fellow artist Donald Lawrence:
> “His art was blending the classical music with gospel which, that hadn’t happened before. He was definitely one of my musical heroes, and I was glad that I was able to get to know him.”
Tributes and Impact
Chaka Khan wrote on Facebook:
> “Smallwood ‘opened up my whole world of gospel music.’ His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me. He is my favorite pianist, and his brilliance, spirit, and devotion to the music have shaped generations, including my own journey.”
Pastor George L. Parks Jr. of Metropolitan Baptist Church praised Smallwood’s presence:
> “Blessed us in so many distinct ways by just sliding in on the piano, playing for our historic communion services, and also with our choir. He believes Smallwood’s legacy and character will continue to be felt worldwide.”
Donald Lawrence also shared a lesson he learned from Smallwood:
> “Be OK with being who you are when it comes to your artform. You don’t have to be like anyone else to be popular, to get on the charts, to win awards.”
Key Takeaways
- Richard Smallwood, 77, passed after kidney failure complications.
- His blend of classical and gospel produced the worldwide hymn “Total Praise.”
- Artists across genres have recorded his work, and his legacy continues through his compositions and the Vision choir.
Smallwood’s music, which touched hearts worldwide, will echo through every note and soul he inspired.
