Industry Mourns Passing of Richard Smallwood

The music community is mourning the passing of Gospel great Richard Smallwood.  Beloved by many, his influence on Gospel music and his lifetime of faith touched many lives around the world. 

A classically trained pianist, composer, and singer, Richard Smallwood’s music reshaped contemporary Gospel — blending rich musical tradition with deep spiritual expression. His timeless songs like “Total Praise” and “I Love the Lord” became staples in worship services around the globe and were embraced by audiences far beyond the church, inspiring artists from Whitney Houston to Destiny’s Child. Over a remarkable five-decade career, he earned multiple Dove and Stellar Awards and received eight GRAMMY nominations for his enduring contributions to music. 

In 2006, Smallwood was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his profound influence on the genre. Two decades later, in 2023, he was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden — a testament to his cultural impact and lifelong dedication to ministry through music. 

The Gospel Music Association joins many around in the world in celebrating his legacy of inspiration, excellence, and faith that brought so many hearts to worship.

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