Richard Smallwood, the “Total Praise” gospel singer, has died at age 77, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
A family representative confirmed the singer and pianist died from natural causes and that his death was not unexpected.
Smallwood died from complications related to kidney failure on Tuesday at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood,” a social media post read. “The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.”
The Howard University graduate founded The Celestials, the first gospel group on Howard University’s campus. The Celestials was the first gospel act to perform at Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival.
Later, he founded the Richard Smallwood Singers, which released their eponymous debut album in 1982.
They “created a distinct sound that caught on with middle class, mostly black Christian young adults,” an obituary for Smallwood provided to USA TODAY noted. He later formed Vision, a backing choir with which he released several albums into the 2010s.
The “Center of My Joy” singer’s work earned him multiple Grammy nominations over the years.
Smallwood’s music has been covered by artists such as Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard, and many more. He accompanied opera legend Leontyne Price at a White House Christmas celebration during the Reagan administration.
