Today we lost a gospel ICON! Richard Smallwood has passed away….
The Grammy-nominated singer, pianist, and composer behind hits like ‘Total Praise’ and ‘Center of My Joy’ passed from kidney failure complications in Maryland.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., he played piano by ear at age 5, formed his first gospel group as a child, and later built the Richard Smallwood Singers, releasing over a dozen albums with four Billboard gospel No. 1s. His work earned eight Grammy nods, Stellar and Dove Awards, Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction, and covers by Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder, while fans and Sen. Raphael Warnock shared heartfelt tributes mourning a musical giant whose songs offered comfort through tough times.
The Gamutt Blog 