Richard Smallwood, the celebrated gospel singer, pianist, and songwriter whose work shaped modern gospel music for decades, has died at the age of 77.
A representative confirmed to Variety that Smallwood passed away on Tuesday due to complications from kidney failure at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
Renowned for his powerful compositions and masterful musicianship, Smallwood earned eight Grammy nominations during his career and received multiple Dove and Stellar Awards. His music reached far beyond the gospel community, with songs covered by major artists such as Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child.
As the founder and leader of the Richard Smallwood Singers and later the group Vision, Smallwood delivered gospel classics including “Total Praise,” “Trust Me,” and “I’ll Trust You.” His song “I Love the Lord” gained international recognition after Whitney Houston recorded it for the soundtrack of The Preacher’s Wife. Destiny’s Child later honored his work by performing “Total Praise” in their 2007 a cappella track, “Gospel Medley.”
Born in November 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia, Smallwood was raised in Washington, D.C., where his musical talent emerged early. He began playing piano at just five years old and formed his first gospel group by the age of 11. He later attended Howard University, earning a degree in music and becoming a member of the school’s first gospel ensemble, the Celestials.
In 1977, Smallwood founded the Richard Smallwood Singers. The group signed with Onyx Records in 1982 and released their debut album, The Richard Smallwood Singers, which remained on the Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart for an impressive 87 weeks. Their 1984 album Psalms earned the group its first Grammy nomination, launching a string of critically acclaimed releases.
Richard Smallwood leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of gospel music’s most influential figures, whose songs continue to inspire choirs, churches, and audiences around the world.
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