Richard Smallwood Death and Obituary – Richard Smallwood, the legendary Grammy-nominated gospel singer, composer, and choir director, passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 77. His death marks the end of an extraordinary era in gospel music, one defined by artistic excellence, spiritual depth, and a lasting global influence. According to a family representative and public statements, Smallwood died from complications related to kidney failure at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
In the years leading up to his passing, Smallwood faced a number of health challenges that limited his public appearances and musical output. Alongside kidney failure, he reportedly battled mild dementia and other age-related conditions. Despite these struggles, his musical legacy continued to thrive, with his compositions remaining staples in churches, concert halls, and worship services around the world.
Born with a gift that bridged classical music and sacred expression, Richard Smallwood emerged as one of the most influential figures in modern gospel history. He was best known for the universally beloved anthem “Total Praise,” a song that transcended denominational and cultural boundaries to become one of the most performed gospel works of all time. Another signature composition, “I Love the Lord,” gained international recognition after being memorably covered by Whitney Houston in The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, introducing Smallwood’s music to an even broader audience.
Over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, Smallwood earned eight Grammy nominations, three Dove Awards, and widespread acclaim for his innovative arrangements and spiritually rich lyrics. In 2006, his contributions were formally recognized with his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a titan of the genre.
A classically trained musician, Smallwood was deeply committed to musical education and excellence. He graduated from Howard University, where he made history as a founding member of the institution’s first gospel choir. His academic background in classical composition profoundly shaped his work, blending traditional hymnody, contemporary gospel, and classical orchestration into a distinctive and enduring sound.
Beyond awards and accolades, Richard Smallwood’s greatest legacy lies in the lives he touched through music. His songs offered comfort in moments of grief, inspiration during hardship, and praise in times of joy. For countless worshippers, choirs, and fellow musicians, his work served as both a spiritual anchor and a masterclass in musical craftsmanship.
Richard Smallwood is survived by family, friends, and a global community of admirers who will continue to honor his life through song. Though he is gone, his music remains a living testament to faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of gospel.
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