Richard Smallwood, acclaimed gospel singer, pianist, and composer, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 77 from kidney failure complications. Known globally for his landmark gospel anthem Total Praise, Smallwood left a powerful legacy of merging classical and Black gospel music. His influence reached from church pews to the White House, as choirs performed his music during significant national and spiritual moments.
His publicist confirmed his death at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland. Smallwood’s passing has prompted tributes from political leaders, civil rights activists, and fellow musicians, all acknowledging his profound impact on American sacred music.
A Composer Whose Work Transcended Genres
Richard Smallwood built a celebrated career on blending the elegance of classical music with the soul of gospel. A Grammy-nominated artist with multiple Stellar and Dove Awards, he introduced Total Praise in 1996 with his group Vision. The song soon became a gospel standard, covered by Destiny’s Child and performed at significant events, including a White House ceremony for Pope Francis.
Supporters say Smallwood’s compositions brought spiritual healing to generations. “His songs got us through tough times,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. But some traditionalists questioned the fusion of classical and gospel styles, arguing it challenged church music norms. Still, Smallwood maintained that any music centered on Jesus had a place in worship.
A Life of Music Rooted in Faith and Struggle
Born in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood began playing piano at age five and studied under Roberta Flack. He later founded the Richard Smallwood Singers and helped launch Howard University’s Gospel Choir. Hits like Center of My Joy and I’ll Trust You became gospel staples.
Smallwood openly discussed his battle with depression, crediting music as a source of personal healing. “Music has the tendency to heal hurt,” he said in a 2024 interview. He authored Total Praise: The Autobiography in 2019, reflecting on how faith and pain shaped his work.
Mourning a Musical Giant
Tributes poured in across platforms. Musician Kirk Whalum honored him with a saxophone rendition of Total Praise. Civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill called Smallwood “one of the greatest composers of any modern music form.” His fans and peers agree: though Smallwood is gone, his music—and its message—endures.
Source:
Richard Smallwood, ‘Total Praise’ writer, dies at 77
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash
About Post Author
