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Key moments and achievements from Richard Smallwood's life.
Richard was born
· Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Founded Organization
In 1977, Smallwood formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in Washington, D.C., establishing the ensemble that would bring his unique fusion of classical music training and gospel tradition to audiences worldwide. The group would go on to record multiple successful albums and become one of the most respected acts in gospel music.
Founded Organization
In 1977, Smallwood formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in Washington, D.C., establishing the ensemble that would bring his unique fusion of classical music training and gospel tradition to audiences worldwide. The group would go on to record multiple successful albums and become one of the most respected acts in gospel music.
Career Achievement
Smallwood's recording career began in 1982 with The Richard Smallwood Singers, an album that spent an extraordinary 87 weeks on Billboard's gospel chart. The debut demonstrated his ability to create music that resonated deeply with church audiences while pushing the artistic boundaries of contemporary gospel music.
Career Achievement
Smallwood's recording career began in 1982 with The Richard Smallwood Singers, an album that spent an extraordinary 87 weeks on Billboard's gospel chart. The debut demonstrated his ability to create music that resonated deeply with church audiences while pushing the artistic boundaries of contemporary gospel music.
Career Achievement
In 1996, Smallwood composed "Total Praise," which became one of the most performed and beloved gospel songs in history. Written during a period of personal sorrow, the hymn transcended denominational boundaries to become a standard in churches worldwide. The song's soaring melody and powerful lyrics have been performed at countless worship services, funerals, and major events globally.
Career Achievement
In 1996, Smallwood composed "Total Praise," which became one of the most performed and beloved gospel songs in history. Written during a period of personal sorrow, the hymn transcended denominational boundaries to become a standard in churches worldwide. The song's soaring melody and powerful lyrics have been performed at countless worship services, funerals, and major events globally.
Won Award
Smallwood was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his transformative contributions to the genre over three decades. With eight Grammy nominations and four Dove Awards from 19 nominations, his induction honored a career that bridged classical music training with deep gospel roots and influenced generations of gospel artists.
Won Award
Smallwood was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his transformative contributions to the genre over three decades. With eight Grammy nominations and four Dove Awards from 19 nominations, his induction honored a career that bridged classical music training with deep gospel roots and influenced generations of gospel artists.
Honor
On his 75th birthday in 2023, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a proclamation declaring December 1 "Richard Smallwood Day," and President Joe Biden awarded him the President's Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors recognized his decades of service to music, ministry, and the Washington D.C. community where he spent most of his life.
Honor
On his 75th birthday in 2023, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a proclamation declaring December 1 "Richard Smallwood Day," and President Joe Biden awarded him the President's Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors recognized his decades of service to music, ministry, and the Washington D.C. community where he spent most of his life.
Richard Smallwood passed away
