At a Glance
- Richard Smallwood, gospel icon and 8-time Grammy nominee, passed away at 77.
- He died Tuesday from complications of kidney failure in a rehab center in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
- His music, especially “Total Praise,” remains a modern hymn worldwide.
- Why it matters: His death marks the loss of a pioneering gospel composer whose influence spanned generations and major artists.
Richard Smallwood’s passing on Tuesday, after years of health challenges, reminds the gospel community of a man whose music kept him alive and inspired countless singers.
A Life Rooted in Music
From playing piano by ear at age five to forming his own gospel group at eleven, Smallwood’s early years were steeped in the sounds of Union Temple Baptist Church.
Raised in Southeast D.C., he was nurtured by his stepfather, the pastor of that church, and later earned a cum laude music degree from Howard University, where he joined the Celestials and helped found the university’s gospel choir.
Legacy and Influence
Smallwood’s compositions were recorded by Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men, cementing his place in contemporary gospel.
Donald Lawrence praised him as a “genius” and a “musical hero,” noting his blend of classical and gospel was unprecedented.
Chaka Khan wrote on Facebook:
> “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.”
Bill Carpenter explained that music kept Smallwood alive:
> “Richard was so dedicated to music, and that was the thing that kept him alive all these years. Making music that made people feel something is what made him want to keep breathing and keep moving and keep living.”
Final Years and Care
In recent years, mild dementia and other health issues limited his ability to record, but the Vision choir members helped care for him.
He served as artist in residence at Metropolitan Baptist Church, where Pastor George L. Parks Jr. highlighted his piano performances during communion services.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Born | Nov 30 1948 | Atlanta |
| Founded Richard Smallwood Singers | 1977 | Contemporary gospel sound |
| Passed away | Feb 7 2026 | Sandy Spring, Maryland |
Key Takeaways
- Richard Smallwood died at 77 from complications of kidney failure.
- His hit “Total Praise” remains a modern hymn heard in churches worldwide.
- Artists like Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan credit him with transforming their music careers.
Richard Smallwood’s legacy lives on through every note he crafted and every soul he touched.
