Richard Smallwood latest news: Richard Smallwood passed away at 77: What happened to the Grammy-nominated Gospel singer and songwriter
Richard Smallwood Passed Away at the Age of 77 Due to Complications of Kidney Failure
Smallwood passed away Tuesday at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland due to complications from kidney failure, Variety reports.
Richard Smallwood Named a Gospel Music Icon
Throughout his career spanning decades, Smallwood has become known not only as a talented vocalist and pianist, but also as a songwriter whose music has resonated deeply in the gospel community. It has earned eight Grammy nominations and received multiple Dove and Stellar Awards, recognizing a body of work that has left a lasting mark on sacred music, Variety reports.
As leader of the Richard Smallwood Singers and later the choir Vision, Smallwood created songs that became staples in churches and concerts alike, including “Total Praise,” “Trust Me” and “I’ll Trust You.” His influence has extended beyond gospel circles, with Whitney Houston recording “I Love the Lord” for the The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack and performing “Total Praise” as part of Destiny’s Child’s a cappella “Gospel Medley” in 2007, Variety reports.
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Richard Smallwood’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Atlanta in November 1948, Smallwood was raised by his mother and stepfather in Washington, D.C. Music became an early part of his life, as he started playing the piano at the age of five and formed his own gospel group at 11. He later studied music at Howard University, where he was a member of the school’s first gospel group, the Celestials.
Smallwood founded the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 and signed with Onyx Records in 1982. Their debut album, The Richard Smallwood Singers, spent 87 weeks on the Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart. The group earned its first Grammy nomination for the 1984 album Psalms and released five more albums. After disbanding the Smallwood Singers in the early 1990s, he founded the Vision choir, which accompanied him on many albums until 2015. The band’s song “Trust Me” reached No. 9 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and earned Smallwood his final Grammy nomination of 2012. Variety report.
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Richard Smallwood’s Legacy Through Music and Autobiography
In 2019, Smallwood shared her story in Total Praise: The Autobiography, which explored her family’s personal history. In recent years he has faced mild dementia and other health problems that have kept him from recording new music.
Richard Smallwood is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and godchildren, Variety reports.
FAQ
Who was Richard Smallwood?
Richard Smallwood was a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, songwriter, pianist and choir leader.
Is Richard Smallwood dead?
Yes, Richard Smallwood passed away at the age of 77.
