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Richard Smallwood: Honoring a Gospel Music Legend

Richard Smallwood: Honoring a Gospel Music Legend

Last updated on: June 2, 2026 at 2:39 pm by Electi A Deo

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Richard Smallwood: Honoring a Gospel Music Legend 2026-06-02T14:39:29-04:00 Electi A Deo

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Along with having a passion for singing and playing Gospel music, Richard was also serious about academic excellence.. Governor Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore attend the funeral service for Richard Smallwood by Polly Irungu at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, | Maryland GovPics, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Richard Smallwood & Black Music Month

Why Does He Deserve Recognition?

Richard Smallwood just after the “Journey: Live in New York” recording. Photo credit: Jared Sawyers via Wikimedia Commons.

Richard Smallwood is an individual worth honoring as we begin Black Music Month. Since June 7, 2000, this federally recognized occasion has highlighted the artists, genres, and songs that empower the Black community.

So, how does Richard’s music impact the Black community and the Body of Christ?

Below, I’ll answer this question by highlighting his upbringing and the inspiration behind his love for music. I’ll also mention his contributions to Gospel music and how they inspire other artists and listeners today.

Born in Atlanta, but Blooms in Washington, DC

The Impact of C.L. & Mabel Smallwood

Richard Lee Smallwood was born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia. Though born in Atlanta, Richard was raised in Washington, DC.

Richard and his mother, Mabel R. Smallwood, relocate to the District so his stepfather could fulfill his calling as an itinerant preacher. Later, his stepfather, C.L. Smallwood, would become the pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church. Pastor Smallwood also helped establish other churches in the city.

C.L. Smallwood is responsible for providing Richard with a spiritual foundation and discipline. His mother also contributes to these aspects of Richard’s life, but he credits her for his interest in music.

Mabel notices Richard’s interest in music when he starts humming hymns as a toddler after church. So, she exposes him to various forms of music, including classical, gospel, and jazz.

This exposure inspires Richard, who, at five years old, decides he wants to be a Gospel singer. Mabel shows her support by buying Richard a black choir robe.

Mabel’s investment pays off as Richard begins taking classical piano lessons at the age of seven. He also started a children’s choir featuring kids from the community at age 11.

It’s unclear how Mabel supports her family financially during Richard’s upbringing. That said, when Richard goes to college, Mabel begins working as a foster mom. As a result, many biological and foster children would come to know her as mom.

Richard Smallwood Attends Howard University

Mabel isn’t the only woman to invest in and inspire Richard musically during his upbringing.

Famous singer and pianist Roberta Flack taught him music in the eighth grade. Under her tutelage, he stirs up his gift by deciding to pursue a music career.

Roberta also encourages him to attend Howard University, which he does after graduating from McKinley Technology High School in 1967.

As a Bison, Richard continues to find guidance under the mentorship of upperclassmen, Donny Hathaway. Though the two would only spend a semester together, Donny offers Richard advice he’d lean on throughout his career.

Donny encourages him to be unique, write what he feels, and not to worry about traditionalists who don’t appreciate change.

The Psalmist in scripture would agree with Donny’s advice, mentioning how we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 149:1 also tells Richard to ignore the traditionalists by urging him to sing a new song to the Lord.

Richard helps usher in a new approach to worship by singing with a group called the Celestials. His fresh approach also stems from his role as a founding member of the Howard Gospel Choir. The Howard Gospel Choir is a beloved and well-known group today.

Sadly, during Richard’s time as a student, the music department only allowed scholars to play classical music. Consequently, Richard and many other students protested for the right to play their songs of faith on Howard’s campus.

Along with having a passion for singing and playing Gospel music, Richard was also serious about academic excellence. He proves this by graduating cum laude in 1971, with a B.A in Classical Vocal Performance and Piano.

Richard Minister’s Through Song, Attitude, & Actions

Richard Smallwood’s Music Career

After graduation, Richard used the education from HU to have a legendary music career spanning over four decades. During this time, Richard would record several albums with two groups he founded, the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision. His discography includes several albums, like:

The Richard Smallwood Singers (1982).
Portrait (1990).
Adoration: Live in Atlanta (1996).
Persuaded: Live in Washington, DC (2001).
Journey: Live in New York (2007).
Promises (2011).

In addition to several albums, Richard Smallwood has countless songs sung by Christians and secular singers alike. Some of his most popular songs are:

“I Love the Lord” (sung by Whitney Houston in the 1996 film, The Preacher’s Wife).
“Center of My Joy.”
“Trust me.”
“Thank You.”
“Total Praise.”

“Total Praise” is arguably his most popular globally. Total Praise has been covered by artists like Destiny’s Child and Steve Wonder. Jewish leaders and Black ministers have sung this song together as a sign of solidarity.

Thanks to his efforts, Richard Smallwood has earned honors, including being the first Black Gospel group to tour the Soviet Union.

In addition to touring the Soviet Union, Richard is also:

The 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
A 2006 Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductee.
A Grammy Award winner for his contributions to Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration.
An 8x Grammy Nominee.
A 2x GMA Dove Award winner.

Furthermore, Washington, D.C. honors his musical legacy in two ways. First, Washington D.C. residents honor his memory by declaring December 1 Richard Smallwood Day. The day became official on December 1, 2023. Second, Howard University awards its late alumnus with an honorary Doctor of Music Degree on May 9, 2026.

Richard Smallwood: A Successful Yet Humble Servant

While appreciative of the recognition that causes many to consider him a Gospel music legend, Richard remained a humble servant.

Rev. H Beescher Hicks, Servant Emeritus and former Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, praises Richard’s humility and approachability. The two worked closely together as Richard was a Metropolitan’s artist in residence.

As such, Rev. Hicks was privileged to witness Richard’s philosophy of ministry. Richard’s philosophy honors the choir loft as sacred ground and preparation as a form of excellence, revering God.

His music also reveres God as song lyrics come from scripture. His commitment to scripture also prompts him to obtain a Master’s of Divinity from Howard in 2004. From there, he was licensed as a minister at Metropolitan that same year.

As his pastor, Rev. Hicks also witnessed the joy that Richard brought to those who sang or interacted with him. This type of joy proves the Spirit’s fruit manifested in Richard’s life.

Richard not only taught choirs, played the piano, and ushered congregants into worship at Metropolitan. He also played for Mount Sinai Baptist Church while attending Howard, and directed the Young Adult Choir at Union Baptist Church.

Richard Smallwood Loves His Family

Serving at churches like Union Baptist Church and being a recording artist didn’t hinder his commitment to his family. Richard never married or had any children, but he demonstrated God’s love to his relatives.

One way he demonstrates love is by becoming a legal guardian for his foster siblings. He accepts this role after his father dies and health concerns prevent his mother from caring for them alone.

He also exhibits love by mentoring his godson, Tre’. Tre‘ calls Richard his biggest supporter and says he’s taught him how to be honest, a man of his word, and kind to others.

Richard’s role as a mentor mirrors what it means to treat younger believers as brothers. His devotion to loved ones shows he understands the command to care for one’s relatives.

Richard heeds this principle by serving as a caregiver for his godbrother and mother during her battle with dementia.

The Ultimate Tests of Faith

Richard Smallwood’s Trials Birth Testimonies

Unfortunately, caring for relatives with failing health is a trial that tests one’s faith. Richard’s faith is also tested through personal struggles with depression.

In fact, he felt like a fake Christian because the divine encouragement he gives to others, he wasn’t experiencing himself.

But he later realizes that his hardships allow him to know Christ in the fellowship of his suffering. He also experiences Christ in the power of his resurrection, as his hardships give birth to many of the songs we know and love.

In fact, his 2011 album Promises is inspired by the 2008 housing crisis and recession. The album exists to help listeners hold on to God’s promises, despite the difficulties they face.

He also experiences the power of Christ’s Resurrection, finding the courage to share his battle with depression in an autobiography. After publishing an autobiography, Richard urges others to do the same so they can tell their story accurately. Dr. Carter G. Woodson would agree with his advice since writing books preserves Black History.

Sharing Richard’s story today is also timely since June is Men’s Mental Health Month. As a mental health advocate, he specifically encourages men and the Black Church that “there is hope in getting help.” Prayer is important, but God also gives us counselors to help us overcome mental challenges.

Richard Smallwood will be known throughout history as one of the greatest Gospel artists ever. But he should be heralded as a humble servant determined to glorify God and uplift the world through music. Richard Smallwood transitioned from labor to eternal rest on December 30, 2025, at the age of 77.

“You are the source of my strength, you are the strength of my life. I lift my hands in total praise to you. Amen.” – Richard Smallwood

Thank You!

Thank you for reading the latest article from the Electi A Deo Experience! Feel free to comment on the article and share it with someone you know. Be blessed and Happy Black Music Month!

Progressive Christian

Religious Music and Entertainment

Careers, Workplace and Religion

Religious Music and Entertainment

Black Music Month

Howard University

Men's Mental Health Month

Richard Smallwood

Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway

Total Praise

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