Renowned gospel artist Richard Smallwood, known for his multiple Grammy Award nominations, has passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from kidney failure. His death was confirmed by his representative, Bill Carpenter, at a care facility in Sandy Spring, Md.
Smallwood, who battled health issues for an extended period, found solace and strength in his music, which sustained him throughout his life. His dedication to creating music that evoked emotions was a driving force that kept him inspired and alive, according to Carpenter.
Over the years, Smallwood’s compositions have been embraced and performed by influential artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men. Notably, Whitney Houston featured Smallwood’s song “I Love the Lord” in the film “The Preacher’s Wife” in 1996, as highlighted in his Gospel Music Hall of Fame biography.
Following Smallwood’s passing, legendary singer Chaka Khan expressed her admiration for his work, crediting him with expanding her appreciation for gospel music and leaving an indelible mark on her musical journey.
Born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Smallwood displayed musical talent from a young age, learning to play the piano by ear at five and later receiving formal training. Raised in Washington, D.C., by his mother and stepfather, who was a prominent pastor, Smallwood’s musical prowess flourished at Howard University, where he was a member of the university’s inaugural gospel group, the Celestials, and later founded the renowned Richard Smallwood Singers.
A trailblazer in blending contemporary sounds with traditional gospel music, Smallwood’s choir, Vision, produced some of his most iconic tracks, including the widely acclaimed “Total Praise.” This timeless hymn has resonated across various denominations and communities, solidifying Smallwood’s place in the modern gospel music canon.
Despite facing health challenges such as mild dementia in his later years, Smallwood’s musical legacy endures through the hearts and minds of those he touched. Chaka Khan, among many others, expressed anticipation for a heavenly reunion with the beloved maestro.