Richard Smallwood, Grammy-Nominated Gospel Icon, Passes Away at 77
Richard Smallwood, a revered figure in gospel music, passed away at 77. His family confirmed that he died on Tuesday due to complications from kidney failure at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
Legacy of Richard Smallwood
Smallwood’s impact on gospel music is profound. He received eight Grammy nominations and won multiple Dove and Stellar Awards during his illustrious career. Renowned for his powerful voice and skillful piano playing, he was a respected songwriter in the genre.
Early Life and Education
Born in November 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia, Smallwood was raised in Washington, D.C. He began his musical journey at an early age, playing the piano at five. By the age of 11, he formed his own gospel group. He later studied music at Howard University, where he was a member of the first gospel group, the Celestials.
Musical Career
In 1977, he established the Richard Smallwood Singers. The group experienced significant success after signing with Onyx Records in 1982. Their debut album, “The Richard Smallwood Singers,” remained on the Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart for 87 weeks. They earned their first Grammy nomination for their 1984 album, “Psalms.”
- Founded the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977
- Debut album released in 1982
- “Psalms” received a Grammy nomination in 1984
In the early 1990s, he disbanded the Smallwood Singers and formed a new choir called Vision. This group collaborated with him on numerous albums until 2015. One of their notable hits, “Trust Me,” peaked at No. 9 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and earned Smallwood his last Grammy nomination in 2012.
Influence and Collaborations
Smallwood’s music has been covered by many notable artists, including Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child. Houston’s rendition of “I Love the Lord” featured in the movie “The Preacher’s Wife,” while Destiny’s Child included “Total Praise” in a 2007 gospel medley.
Later Years and Personal Life
In 2019, Smallwood published his autobiography titled “Total Praise: The Autobiography,” sharing insights into his personal and professional experiences. Unfortunately, he faced health challenges in his later years, including mild dementia, which hindered his ability to create new music.
Richard Smallwood is survived by family members, including brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. His contributions to gospel music will be remembered by many.
