Richard Smallwood, the Grammy-nominated gospel singer-songwriter whose work shaped modern gospel music, has died at age 77.
His representatives confirmed that Smallwood died of complications related to kidney failure on Tuesday, December 30, at a nursing home in Sandy Spring, Maryland. The news of his death was announced in a statement by his family shared on his official Facebook page.
“It is with sadness that we announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter and musician, Richard Smallwood,” the statement read. “The family asks that you respect our privacy at this difficult time while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he selflessly shared with the world.”
In recent years, Smallwood has also been diagnosed with mild dementia and a variety of other health problems.
Smallwood became one of gospel music’s most influential composers in a career spanning more than five decades. His songs reached far beyond the walls of the church, with the famous cover of Whitney Houston I love the Lord alongside the Georgia Mass Choir for 1996 The preacher’s wife movie soundtrack. Destiny’s Child later performed his song Absolute praise during a 2007 gospel mix.
Born in Atlanta in 1948 and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood showed early musical talent, playing piano by ear at age 5 and forming a gospel group at 11. He graduated with honors from Howard University and went on to teach music before founding the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 and winning his band Spiritmmy Nollmin’ at Spiritm. Album chart.
After the group broke up, Smallwood formed Vision and released Absolute praisehis greatest success. He was nominated for eight Grammys, won multiple Dove and Stellar Awards, and released his latest album in 2015.
Diagnosed with mild dementia in recent years, Smallwood is survived by his extended family and an enduring musical legacy.
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