Richard Smallwood, the legendary singer and pianist who transformed contemporary gospel music, has passed away. He was 77.
Smallwood passed on Tuesday, December 30th, 12:36 AM at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He died of complications of kidney failure, according to his publicist Bill Carpenter.
Smallwood created his own signature sound by merging traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, and classical influences.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood began playing piano by ear at age five. A graduate of Howard University, he earned degrees in vocal performance and piano. While at Howard, he was a founding member of the university’s first gospel choir and a member of the Celestials. They were the first gospel group to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Smallwood was also a co-founder of the R&B group featuring Angela Winbush, Richard Smallwood, Tawatha Agee, Shelton Becton, and Elett Ricks.
Smallwood formed The Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977, followed by the group Vision.
He’s best known for composing timeless anthems such as “Total Praise,” “Healing” “Center of My Joy,” and “I Love the Lord.”
Known as “The Maestro,” Smallwood’s music earned him critical acclaim. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and won numerous Stellar and Dove Awards.
In 2019, he released his autobiography, Total Praise, where he spoke about his personal journey through seasons of grief and depression.
In December 2023, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser designated December 1 as “Richard Smallwood Day” to honor his 75th birthday and his contributions to the city’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
Smallwood is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and several godchildren.