Gospel Music World Mourns the Loss of a Trailblazing Composer and Choir Leader at 77
The gospel music community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential architects, a composer and choir leader whose work shaped modern gospel for decades and crossed denominational, cultural, and musical boundaries. The celebrated artist died Tuesday at the age of 77 following complications related to kidney failure, according to his representative.
The passing occurred at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, after years of ongoing health challenges. His longtime representative, Bill Carpenter, confirmed the death and reflected on a life sustained by music even as physical health declined.
“He was so dedicated to music, and that was the thing that kept him alive all these years,” Carpenter said. “Making music that made people feel something is what made him want to keep breathing and keep moving and keep living.”
For generations of listeners, choir directors, and performers, his compositions became spiritual landmarks—songs that were not merely performed but lived, prayed, and internalized in churches around the world.
A Legacy Recognized Across Genres
Over the course of his career, his music reached far beyond traditional gospel audiences. His songs were recorded and performed by a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men. One of his most widely recognized works entered popular culture when Houston performed it in the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife, bringing gospel music into millions of homes worldwide.
The influence of his work was felt deeply by fellow musicians. Singer and songwriter Chaka Khan paid tribute following the announcement of his death, calling him a transformative figure in her musical life.
“His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me,” Khan wrote. “He is my favorite pianist, and his brilliance, spirit, and devotion to the music have shaped generations.”
It is in the middle of this sweeping legacy that the man himself stands: Richard Smallwood, an eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer, composer, and recording artist whose contributions redefined the sound and scope of contemporary gospel music.
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Smallwood was born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, and demonstrated an extraordinary musical ear from a young age. By the time he was five years old, he was already playing piano by ear. Formal training followed shortly after, and by age seven he was taking structured lessons. His early aptitude matured quickly—he formed his first gospel group at just 11 years old.
He was primarily raised in Washington, D.C., by his mother, Mabel, and his stepfather, the Rev. Chester Lee “C.L.” Smallwood, who served as pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church. The church environment played a crucial role in shaping his spiritual and musical identity, grounding his technical skill in deep theological and emotional expression.
Academic Excellence and Innovation
Smallwood went on to attend Howard University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in music. While at Howard, he became a pioneer within the institution’s gospel movement. He was a member of the university’s first gospel ensemble, the Celestials, and later became a founding member of Howard’s gospel choir—helping establish a formal presence for gospel music within an academic setting.
After graduating, he taught music at the University of Maryland before turning his focus fully toward composition and performance. In 1977, he formed the Richard Smallwood Singers, a group that brought a sophisticated, contemporary sound to traditional gospel structures. The ensemble blended classical harmony, jazz influences, and deep spiritual lyricism, setting a new standard for gospel arrangements.
He later expanded that vision by forming Vision, a large choir that would become the driving force behind some of his most enduring compositions.
“Total Praise” and a Modern Hymn
Among his vast catalog, one song emerged as a defining work: “Total Praise.” The composition transcended genre and denomination, becoming a modern hymn performed in churches of every size and style.
“You can go into any kind of church—a Black church, a white church, a nondenominational church—and you might hear that song,” Carpenter said. “Somehow it found its footing throughout the whole Christian world.”
The song’s cultural reach was underscored in February 2024, when Stevie Wonder performed “Total Praise” at the funeral of Dexter Scott King, son of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Many in the gospel world have said that even if Smallwood had written nothing else, that single composition would have secured his place in music history.
Later Years and Enduring Impact
In recent years, health challenges—including mild dementia—limited his ability to record and perform. Members of his Vision choir, many of whom had worked with him for decades, helped care for him during his later life, reflecting the deep bonds he formed with those around him.
Though his public presence faded, his music never did. Choirs continue to rehearse his arrangements weekly. His compositions remain staples at worship services, concerts, funerals, and national commemorations.
His death marks the end of a remarkable life, but not the end of his influence.
“His legacy will live on through every note and every soul he touched,” Chaka Khan wrote. “I am truly looking forward to singing with you in heaven.”
As the gospel music world reflects on his passing, the enduring power of his work stands as a reminder that music, when rooted in faith and excellence, can transcend time, health, and even life itself.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
