At a Glance
- 77-year-old gospel legend Richard Smallwood dies in Maryland.
- Died Tuesday from kidney-failure complications.
- His song “Total Praise” became a modern hymn heard worldwide.
- Why it matters: He shaped contemporary gospel and inspired generations of artists.
Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel composer, died Tuesday at a rehabilitation center in Sandy Spring, Maryland. The 77-year-old left a legacy of songs that crossed genres, from Whitney Houston to Stevie Wonder. His passing marks the end of a career that redefined gospel music.
A Musical Journey
Born in Atlanta on Nov. 30, 1948, Smallwood began playing piano by ear at five and joined a gospel group by eleven. He studied at Howard University, graduating cum laude, and later taught at the University of Maryland before forming the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977. His ensemble, and later the Vision choir, introduced a contemporary sound to traditional gospel.
- Whitney Houston
- Stevie Wonder
- Destiny’s Child
- Boyz II Men
The Song that Became a Hymn
“Total Praise” grew into a modern hymn embraced by churches of all denominations. Stevie Wonder performed it at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.’s son Dexter Scott King on Feb. 10, 2024. The song’s universal appeal exemplifies Smallwood’s impact.
Legacy and Tributes
Smallwood’s health declined in recent years, with mild dementia and kidney issues limiting his recording. Vision choir members cared for him during this time. Tributes poured in, including from Chaka Khan, who said his music “opened up my whole world of gospel music” and “transformed me.”
Bill Carpenter stated:
> “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.”
Chaka Khan said:
> “Richard opened up my whole world of gospel music. His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me.”
Key Takeaways
- Smallwood’s death marks the loss of a pioneer who reshaped gospel.
- His hymn “Total Praise” remains a staple across churches worldwide.
- Artists from Whitney Houston to Chaka Khan credit him with transforming their music.
Smallwood’s voice will echo in every choir that sings his songs.
