Smallwood passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, at a nursing home in Sandy Spring, Maryland, due to complications from kidney failure, according to his representative.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood,” a statement shared on his Facebook page read. “The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.”
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Smallwood became one of gospel music’s most respected voices. His songs reached far beyond church walls, earning admiration from mainstream artists and audiences alike. Whitney Houston famously recorded his song “I Love the Lord” with the Georgia Mass Choir for the soundtrack of The Preacher’s Wife. Boyz II Men later included a snippet of the song on their 1997 album Evolution. Destiny’s Child also honored Smallwood by covering his anthem “Total Praise” during a gospel medley in 2007.
Born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Smallwood was raised in Washington, D.C., where his stepfather served as pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church. Music came early to him. He was playing piano by ear by the age of 5 and formed his own gospel group by 11.
One of his high school teachers was future music icon Roberta Flack. Smallwood later graduated cum laude from Howard University, where he became part of the school’s first gospel group, the Celestials. He went on to teach music at the University of Maryland before founding the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977.
The group, which included Dottie Jones, Jackie Ruffin, and Darlene Simmons, earned Grammy nominations and topped Billboard’s Spiritual Albums chart in 1984 with Psalms. Despite the success, Smallwood later spoke openly about frustrations with record label support during his career.
In the 1990s, he disbanded the Smallwood Singers and formed a large backing choir called Vision. With them, he released “Total Praise,” which became his most enduring and widely performed song.
Smallwood released his final album, Anthology, in 2015, followed by a memoir in 2019. Over his lifetime, he earned eight Grammy nominations, won three Dove Awards, and received multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
In recent years, Smallwood had been diagnosed with mild dementia and other health issues that prevented him from continuing to record music.
He is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. His music, deeply rooted in faith and artistry, continues to resonate in churches, concert halls, and hearts around the world.
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