People Remember Gospel Legend Richard Smallwood After Death at 77

December 30, 2025

Richard Smallwood, a 77-year-old gospel music pioneer from Washington, D.C., passed away Tuesday in Maryland from kidney failure complications. The Grammy-nominated artist revolutionized gospel music by blending classical composition with traditional Black church sounds, creating contemporary classics like "Total Praise" and "Center of My Joy" that became staples in churches worldwide. A Howard University graduate and founding member of its Gospel Choir, Smallwood influenced generations of musicians across multiple genres and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Who is affected

Gospel music fans and church communities worldwide
Students and colleagues from Howard University, including those from the Gospel Choir and the Celestials
Former students at Eastern High School who learned his music
Musicians across genres who recorded his songs, including Destiny's Child, Yolanda Adams, and Karen Clark-Sheard
Members of his musical groups: Richard Smallwood Singers (Dottie Jones, Jackie Ruffin, Darlene Simmons) and Vision
Congregations at Union Temple Baptist Church, Alfred Street Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Highland Park
His publicist Bill Carpenter and various faith and political leaders paying tribute

What action is being taken

Artists, fans, faith leaders, and political figures are remembering and honoring Smallwood's life and legacy
Social media tributes are being posted by musicians and fans
Public statements are being shared by leaders including Senator Raphael Warnock

Why it matters

Richard Smallwood's death represents a significant loss to gospel music because he was an innovator who transformed the genre by combining classical music training with traditional Black church music to create a contemporary sound. His compositions like "Total Praise" became timeless church staples sung by choirs globally and influenced musicians across multiple genres for over five decades. His work provided spiritual comfort and inspiration to countless people during difficult times, creating a musical legacy that transcended his role as performer to encompass ministry, education, and cultural bridge-building between faith and entertainment communities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer