US EditionRichard Smallwood, Grammy-winning gospel giant covered by Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child, dies at 77
- On December 30th, Richard Smallwood died at 77 from complications of kidney failure at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland, his representative confirmed.
- Born on November 30, 1948, Smallwood was raised in Washington, D.C., studied music at Howard University, and formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977.
- Mainstream artists embraced Smallwood’s songs, with Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, and Boyz II Men recording his compositions; he earned eight Grammy nominations and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Smallwood’s official Instagram announced his passing and the family asked for privacy, while survivors and the gospel community mourned his lasting impact.
- A career spanning over five decades positioned Smallwood to connect sacred and mainstream music, teach at the Washington School of Music, D.C. Public School System, University of Maryland, College Park, and lead ensembles touring the Soviet Union and Montreux Jazz Festival.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Richard Smallwood, contemporary gospel musician known for ‘Total Praise,’ dies at 77
(RNS) — Richard Smallwood, a singer and pianist best known for his contemporary gospel music hit “Total Praise,” died Tuesday (Dec. 30). Smallwood was 77. He died of complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, his publicist announced. Nominated eight times for a Grammy Award, the Stellar and Dove awardee was known for combining Black gospel and classical genres of music. His ubiquitous song “…
Times of India
The Economic TimesRichard Smallwood passed away at 77: What happened to the Grammy-nominated Gospel singer and songwriter
Richard Smallwood, celebrated gospel singer and songwriter, has passed away at 77 due to kidney failure. Known for works like 'Total Praise,' his influence spans decades, impacting gospel and mainstream music alike.
Who was Richard Smallwood? Grammy winning legendary Gospel singer passes away
Richard Smallwood, a pivotal figure in contemporary gospel music, died at 77 due to kidney failure complications on December 30. His career as a composer, pianist, and vocalist transformed gospel music, inspiring countless individuals globally.
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