Gospel Legend Richard Smallwood Dies at 77, Leaving a Legacy of 'Total Praise'

The voice that defined a generation of spiritual music has fallen silent. Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel icon, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 77. His family confirmed he passed away due to complications from kidney failure at a rehabilitation center in Maryland.

Richard Smallwood Gospel Legacy 2025: A Master of Sacred Sound

Smallwood wasn't just a singer; he was a musical architect who bridged the gap between European classical training and African-American gospel traditions. A graduate of Howard University, he studied under the legendary Roberta Flack and was a classmate of Donny Hathaway. In 1982, he launched the Richard Smallwood Singers, a group that would change the trajectory of the genre with their sophisticated arrangements and raw emotional power.

His influence extended far beyond the church pews. His masterpiece, "I Love the Lord," gained global recognition when Whitney Houston covered it for 'The Preacher's Wife' soundtrack in 1996. Another staple, "Total Praise," became a universal anthem of worship, later recorded by superstars like Destiny's Child in their 2007 acapella medley. Smallwood's ability to blend complex chords with accessible melodies made him a favorite among musicians and casual listeners alike.

Honors and Personal Battles

Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006, Smallwood performed for three U.S. presidents and was a rare gospel artist to tour the Soviet Union. Despite his professional triumphs, his later years were marked by a battle with mild dementia and chronic health issues. He remained transparent about his struggles, using his 2019 autobiography to speak on his journey through grief and depression, further cementing his role as a source of strength for his fans.