Richard Smallwood Passed Away at 77 Due to Kidney Failure Complications
As per a Variety report, Smallwood passed away on Tuesday from complications related to kidney failure at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
Richard Smallwood Remembered as a Gospel Music Icon
Over a career that spanned decades, Smallwood became known not only as a gifted vocalist and pianist but also as a songwriter whose music resonated deeply within the gospel community. He earned eight Grammy nominations and received multiple Dove and Stellar Awards, recognition of a body of work that left a lasting mark on sacred music, as per the Variety report.
As the leader of the Richard Smallwood Singers and later the choir Vision, Smallwood created songs that became staples in churches and concerts alike, including “Total Praise,” “Trust Me,” and “I’ll Trust You.” His influence extended beyond gospel circles, with Whitney Houston recording “I Love the Lord” for The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack and Destiny’s Child performing “Total Praise” as part of their 2007 a cappella “Gospel Medley,” as per the Variety report.
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Richard Smallwood’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in November 1948 in Atlanta, Smallwood was raised in Washington, D.C. by his mother and stepfather. Music became part of his life early as he began playing piano at five and formed his own gospel group by the age of 11. He later studied music at Howard University, where he was a member of the school’s first gospel group, the Celestials.
In 1977, Smallwood founded the Richard Smallwood Singers, signing with Onyx Records in 1982. Their debut album, The Richard Smallwood Singers, spent 87 weeks on the Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart. The group earned its first Grammy nomination with the 1984 album Psalms and went on to release five more records.After disbanding the Smallwood Singers in the early 1990s, he formed the choir Vision, which accompanied him on multiple albums through 2015. Their song “Trust Me” reached No. 9 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and earned Smallwood his final Grammy nomination in 2012, as per the Variety report.
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Richard Smallwood’s Legacy Through Music and Autobiography
In 2019, Smallwood shared his story in Total Praise: The Autobiography, which explored his family’s personal history. In recent years, he faced mild dementia and other health challenges that kept him from recording new music.
Richard Smallwood was survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and godchildren, as per the Variety report.
FAQs
Who was Richard Smallwood?
Richard Smallwood was a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, songwriter, pianist and choir leader.
Did Richard Smallwood pass away?
Yes, Richard Smallwood passed away at the age of 77.