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Richard Smallwood, the Grammy-nominated gospel singer, pianist, and influential songwriter, whose impactful music was covered by iconic artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child, has passed away at the age of 77.
Richard Smallwood, a highly acclaimed and eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer, pianist, and profound songwriter, has died at the age of 77. A representative for Smallwood confirmed this sorrowful news to Variety, detailing that he passed away on Tuesday at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland. His death was specifically attributed to complications stemming from kidney failure, bringing an end to a life dedicated to inspiring millions through his music.
Smallwood carved out a remarkable career, distinguished by his exceptional talents as a vocalist, pianist, and prolific songwriter within the gospel music genre. His significant contributions were honored with eight prestigious Grammy nominations, alongside multiple Dove and Stellar Awards. As the driving force behind the renowned Richard Smallwood Singers and his later ensemble, Vision, he was responsible for numerous chart successes. Among his most celebrated hits were "Total Praise," "Trust Me," and "I'll Trust You." These songs not only resonated deeply within the gospel community but also garnered wider recognition; for instance, Whitney Houston famously reinterpreted "I Love the Lord" for the soundtrack of "The Preacher's Wife," and Destiny's Child incorporated a cover of "Total Praise" into their "Gospel Medley" in 2007, showcasing the broad appeal and enduring quality of his work.
Richard Smallwood was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1948, and spent his formative years growing up in Washington, D.C., under the care of his mother and stepfather. His musical journey began remarkably early; he showed prodigious talent for the piano, starting lessons at just five years old. By the age of 11, his passion and skill led him to form his very own gospel group, signaling his early dedication to the genre. Further solidifying his musical foundation, Smallwood attended Howard University, where he successfully earned a degree in music. During his time there, he was also a founding member of "The Celestials," the university's pioneering gospel ensemble, marking an important step in his professional development.
The year 1977 marked a pivotal moment in Smallwood's career when he officially established The Richard Smallwood Singers. This group quickly gained traction, and in 1982, they secured a record deal with Onyx Records. Their self-titled debut album, "The Richard Smallwood Singers," proved to be a significant success, enjoying an impressive run of 87 weeks on the highly competitive Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart. This early triumph was followed by critical recognition, as their 1984 album, "Psalms," earned them their inaugural Grammy nomination. The group's consistent artistry led to the release of five more successful records under this banner, solidifying their place in gospel music history.
In the early 1990s, Richard Smallwood decided to disband The Richard Smallwood Singers and subsequently formed a new backing choir named Vision. This ensemble continued to accompany him on a succession of albums released up until 2015, maintaining his prolific output. A notable achievement during this period was the song "Trust Me," which reached an impressive No. 9 position on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and secured his last Grammy nomination in 2012 for the Best Gospel Song category. Beyond his musical endeavors, Smallwood also shared his personal narrative in 2019 with the publication of "Total Praise: The Autobiography," offering insights into his family's rich history. Unfortunately, in his final years, Smallwood faced significant health challenges, including a battle with mild dementia and other ailments, which ultimately curtailed his ability to record new music.
Richard Smallwood is survived by his loving brothers and sisters, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren, whose lives were undoubtedly touched by his presence and inspiring musical career, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both his family and the world of gospel music.