Beloved gospel singer and pianist Richard Smallwood has passed away at the age of 77. Smallwood, a Grammy-nominated artist known for albums like “Psalms” and “Textures,” has had his music covered by Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child. Now, tributes are pouring in.
A representative for Smallwood confirmed to Variety that he passed away from complications related to kidney failure on December 30. He was at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland at the time of his passing.
Richard Smallwood Leaves Behind a Massive Legacy
GettyOriginally from Georgia, born in 1948, Smallwood developed an interest in music at an early age. He began singing and playing piano by ear at the age of five. From there, he started taking music lessons at seven. He later attended Howard University, where he graduated with a degree in Music. While at the university, he became a member of its first gospel group, the Celestials.
Regarding his music career, Smallwood released his first album, “The Richard Smallwood Singers,” in 1982. Smallwood released 10 studio albums across his legendary career. In total, he has eight Grammy nominations. Some of his biggest hits include “Trust Me,” “Total Praise,” “I’ll Trust You,” and “I Love the Lord,” which Houston remade. It’s worth noting that Destiny’s Child covered “Total Praise.”
Tributes are Pouring in Following His Passing
Smallwood’s voice is one of the most influential in the gospel music community. As a result, many of his fans are taking to social media to honor his legacy as an artist. One person said on X, “Rest in Peace to the great Richard Smallwood. Among many of his legendary writings, he gave us one of the greatest gospel songs in history! Prayers to his family and friends in this time.”
Someone else wrote, “🕊️. Icon. Legend. RIP ! What a way to end the year.
From ‘Center of my Joy’ to ‘Healing’ to ‘Angels’ and of course ‘Total Praise’ and more! Thank you Richard Smallwood.”
Another of Smallwood’s fans said, “There will never, ever, EVER be another Richard Smallwood. His sweeping compositions and poetic lyrics have touched so many, myself included. You can feel his unyielding devotion to God in every piece of music he produced. He was a true master of his craft.RIP to a gospel icon!”
Finally, someone else honored his legacy by saying, “Richard Smallwood passing hits hard. “Healing” has saved me more times than I can count. Catalog is full of soul-shifting music—he will be missed.”
Smallwood will be greatly missed!
A great Christian warrior; a good and faithful servant of Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory 🙏🏾😇💖
Marc of the Levites was one of my favorites, I would travel on the road from South Carolina to Florida on that song.Rest in glory Mr. Smallwood.