The award-winning gospel artist, Richard Smallwood from the US, died early Tuesday morning at the age of 77, which has prompted tributes that recognises his profound influence on Christian worship and black gospel music.
His family announced the death of the “world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician” in a statement posted online on Tuesday.
In the message, the family asked for privacy during “this difficult time” as they sought to “celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world”.
An obituary compiled by Smallwood’s representative, Bill Carpenter, said the singer died at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, due to complications from kidney failure. The obituary added that mild dementia and other health issues had prevented Smallwood from recording in recent years.
Smallwood “clearly and solidly changed the face of black gospel music,” according to his profile on the Gospel Music Hall of Fame’s official website, written when he was inducted in 2006. The profile said his blend of classical musical movements with traditional gospel earned him multiple Dove Awards, Stellar Awards and a Grammy.
He received eight Grammy nominations and helped secure a Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for the 1992 production of Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration.
One of Smallwood’s best-known songs was ‘Total Praise’. He also published an autobiography titled Total Praise in 2019, reflecting on his Christian upbringing, struggles and faith journey, according to its Amazon description.
Smallwood has been survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and several godchildren.