Renowned gospel singer Richard Smallwood, a multiple Grammy Awards nominee, passed away at the age of 77 due to complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation facility in Sandy Spring, Md. Smallwood, who battled health issues for years, found solace and strength in his music, according to his spokesperson Bill Carpenter.
Carpenter emphasized Smallwood’s unwavering dedication to music, which fueled his will to keep creating and living. Smallwood’s impactful songs were embraced by various artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men. Notably, Whitney Houston performed Smallwood’s “I Love the Lord” in the film “The Preacher’s Wife” in 1996.
Following his demise, singer Chaka Khan expressed her deep admiration for Smallwood, crediting him with expanding her appreciation for gospel music and shaping her musical journey. Smallwood, born in Atlanta in 1948, exhibited musical talent from a young age, starting to play the piano at five years old and forming his gospel group at 11.
During his time at Howard University, Smallwood co-founded the Celestials gospel group and the university’s gospel choir, showcasing his pioneering approach to blending contemporary sounds with traditional gospel music. Smallwood’s creation of the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 and later Vision choir marked significant milestones in his career, with hits like “Total Praise” becoming widely cherished modern hymns.
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Smallwood’s musical influence persisted, with his legacy promising to endure through the lives he touched and the music he shared.