Gospel World Mourns Smallwood

As we say adieu to 2025, the world of gospel music has been dealt one additional sad goodbye with the passing of legendary gospel singer, composer and arranger, Richard Smallwood.  Smallwood died December 30^th reportedly from complications from kidney failure at a Maryland rehabilitation and nursing center.  He was 77.

Smallwood was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary gospel music. With a career spanning more than five decades, Smallwood blended traditional Black church music with classical influences, helping to modernize gospel while honoring its roots. 

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood began playing piano by ear at an early age and formed his first gospel group at just 11. He later attended Howard University, where he graduated cum laude with degrees in classical vocal performance and piano, and helped establish the university’s first gospel choir and the pioneering gospel ensemble The Celestials. 

Smallwood launched his professional recording career in 1982 with The Richard Smallwood Singers. Their debut album spent a remarkable 87 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel chart, and subsequent releases such as Psalms and Textures earned Grammy nominations. His collaboration with Bill and Gloria Gaither produced the classic “Center of My Joy,” expanding his reach into broader Christian music circle.

Later, Smallwood scored several hits, including “Total Praise,” “Trust Me,” and “I’ll Trust You.”  Over the years, his songs were covered by some of the biggest names in music including Whitney Houston with “I Love The Lord,” and Destiny’s Child, who remade “Total Praise” as a part of a 2007 acapella tune entitled “Gospel Medley.”

By Devan Wade for KTSU News