Richard Smallwood, a chart-topping staple in gospel music whose compositions became pillars across churches and concert halls worldwide, passed away on Dec. 30 at a nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
The cause of death was complications from kidney failure, according to his publicist.
A proud HBCU alum, Smallwood’s talent was shaped on the campus at Howard University, where his smooth voice and piano work were skilled through classical training.
At Howard, Smallwood studied alongside legends, including Donny Hathaway, and played a key role in forming the university’s gospel choir, helping to cement Howard’s influence on gospel music for generations to come.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1971, later returning to receive a master’s degree in musicology and piano.
Best known for timeless anthems such as “Total Praise” and “Healing,” Smallwood’s compositions transcended genre, finding their way into the sounds of artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child, and into the hearts of worshippers around the world.
Through his music, teaching, and commitment to excellence, Richard Smallwood leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, scholarship, and the sustaining power of HBCU excellence, especially Howard University.
