Renowned gospel singer, songwriter, pianist and composer Richard Smallwood, a towering figure in contemporary gospel music, has died at the age of 77. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Smallwood’s death was attributed to complications from kidney failure, according to his publicist.
For more than five decades, Smallwood’s work helped define modern gospel. Known for his rich musical arrangements that blended classical, traditional, and contemporary gospel elements, his influence stretched far beyond church walls. Hits like “Total Praise,” “Center of My Joy,” and “I Love the Lord” became beloved staples for choirs and worship teams around the world.
A Lifelong Musical Journey
Born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood began playing piano by ear at age five. A cum laude graduate of Howard University with degrees in both vocal performance and piano, he was an early force in campus gospel music — founding the university’s first gospel choir and performing internationally with The Celestials.
In 1977 he formed The Richard Smallwood Singers, whose debut album spent an astounding 87 weeks on the Billboard Gospel chart. Smallwood later launched the ensemble Vision, continuing a career marked by both spiritual depth and musical ingenuity.
Impact and Recognition
Smallwood was eight-time Grammy Award-nominated, receiving numerous Stellar and Dove Awards during a career that bridged generations. His music was recorded by mainstream artists including Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, and Stevie Wonder, showcasing his broad cultural impact.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and performed for multiple U.S. presidents. In 2023, Washington, D.C. proclaimed “Richard Smallwood Day” in honor of his contributions to the city’s cultural and spiritual life.
Legacy of Faith and Resilience
While Smallwood’s music often celebrated faith and praise, he was also candid about his long-standing personal struggles, including seasons of grief and depression — experiences that informed some of his most enduring works, such as Total Praise.
His compositions, rooted in both personal testimony and profound musicality, leave behind a legacy that continues to resonate through worship services, concert halls, and recordings worldwide.
Survivors
Smallwood is survived by family members and a global community of fans, choirs, and musicians who draw strength from his work. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
