A Final Amen: Gospel Icon Richard Smallwood Passes Away at 77

The music community lost a giant this week. Richard Smallwood, the world-renowned singer, songwriter, and composer, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 77. His representative confirmed that he died due to complications from kidney failure at a nursing facility in Sandy Spring, Maryland.

In a heartfelt statement shared on his official social media pages, his family expressed their grief:

“We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood. The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.”

A Legacy That Transcended Genres

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Smallwood’s influence stretched far beyond the church pews. His ability to blend intricate classical movements with traditional gospel fervor earned him respect from some of the biggest names in mainstream music.

• Whitney Houston: Covered his timeless anthem “I Love the Lord” for the 1996 blockbuster The Preacher’s Wife.

• Destiny’s Child: Performed his masterpiece “Total Praise” as part of a gospel medley in 2007.

• Boyz II Men: Featured a snippet of his work on their 1997 album Evolution.

The Story of “Total Praise”

Smallwood’s most enduring hit, “Total Praise,” was born from a place of deep personal struggle. Written in the 1990s while he was acting as a caregiver for his ill mother and godbrother, the song became a global anthem of resilience and faith. It remains a staple for choirs worldwide, celebrated for its “Hallelujah” climax and sophisticated harmonic structure.

From a Prodigy to a Professor

Born in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood’s musical journey began early. He was playing piano by ear at age 5 and formed his first gospel group at 11.

His education was as prestigious as his career; he graduated cum laude from Howard University, where he was a member of the school’s first gospel group, the Celestials. Before his rise to fame, he even had the legendary Roberta Flack as a high school music teacher. Smallwood would eventually give back to academia, teaching music at the University of Maryland before founding the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977.

An Unmatched Career in Accolades

Throughout his journey, Smallwood was a mainstay on the Billboard charts and a frequent guest at the most prestigious award ceremonies.

• 8 Grammy Nominations

• 3 Dove Awards

• Multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards

• Inductee into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2006)

Despite battling mild dementia and other health issues in his final years, Smallwood’s spirit remained intertwined with his music. He often referred to his compositions as a “method of

ministry,” a way to heal himself while offering comfort to others.

Farewell to a Maestro

Richard Smallwood is survived by a large family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. As the world says goodbye to this musical giant, his voice will continue to echo in every sanctuary where a choir raises its voice to sing of hope, pain, and “total praise.”