The gospel music world is united in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most influential and beloved figures, Richard Smallwood.

The celebrated composer, pianist, and choir leader passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the sound and soul of modern gospel music.

Known for his groundbreaking compositions like “Total Praise” and “I Love the Lord,” Smallwood’s music transcended boundaries, becoming a source of comfort, faith, and inspiration for millions worldwide.

Among the many tributes pouring in, one in particular has struck a chord with the gospel community.

Donnie McClurkin, a fellow gospel legend and close friend of Smallwood, delivered an emotional homage that has gone viral, with fans and artists alike reflecting on the deep personal and spiritual impact of Smallwood’s work.

“Richard Smallwood was not just a composer,” McClurkin said.

“He was a voice God used to teach us how to worship with truth and excellence. His music carried my faith, shaped my calling, and lifted generations into God’s presence.”

Smallwood’s journey to becoming a gospel icon began in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born on November 30, 1948.

Raised in a modest but musically rich household in Washington, D.C., Smallwood displayed an extraordinary gift for music from a young age.

By the age of five, he could play the piano by ear, and by seven, he was composing original pieces.

His family nurtured his talent, providing a supportive environment where his passion for music could flourish.

Smallwood’s classical training became the foundation of his signature sound.

He studied piano, composition, and vocal performance with a level of dedication that set him apart from his peers.

This rigorous training allowed him to blend complex harmonies, orchestral arrangements, and deep theological themes into his music, creating a unique style that pushed the boundaries of gospel while remaining deeply rooted in faith.

His compositions were both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant, making them accessible to worshippers from all walks of life.

Smallwood’s career gained national attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s when his compositions began to resonate with choirs and churches across the country.

Songs like “I Love the Lord” became instant classics, combining personal testimony with congregational worship.

The song’s raw emotional honesty and spiritual depth made it a lifeline for many, offering hope and solace in times of struggle.

But it was “Total Praise,” released in the mid-1990s, that became Smallwood’s most defining work.

Its powerful crescendo of faith and surrender has made it a staple in moments of worship, national remembrance, and personal grief, cementing its place as one of the most performed gospel songs in history.

Throughout his career, Smallwood received numerous accolades, including multiple Dove and Stellar Awards, eight Grammy nominations, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 2023, he was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden, a recognition that highlighted his cultural significance and lifelong dedication to ministry through music.

Despite these accolades, Smallwood remained humble, often emphasizing that his music was a form of worship and ministry rather than a means of personal recognition.

Smallwood’s influence extended far beyond the gospel community.

His music inspired mainstream artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child, who incorporated elements of his sound into their own work.

Yet, despite his crossover appeal, Smallwood remained steadfast in his commitment to creating music that glorified God and ministered to the hearts of listeners.

Donnie McClurkin, one of the many artists influenced by Smallwood, delivered a heartfelt tribute that captured the essence of Smallwood’s impact.

McClurkin, who has often credited Smallwood’s music with shaping his own understanding of worship and purpose, described him as a spiritual blueprint.

His tribute, which highlighted Smallwood’s unwavering faith, discipline, and dedication to excellence, resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists.

McClurkin’s words served as a reminder of the personal and spiritual influence that Smallwood had on those who followed in his footsteps.

As news of Smallwood’s passing spread, the gospel community began to reflect on his unparalleled contributions.

Choir directors shared stories of rehearsing his music late into the night, striving to honor the complexity and beauty of his arrangements.

Worship leaders recounted how his songs had carried their congregations through moments of grief, illness, and uncertainty.

Fans spoke of the comfort and strength they found in his music during their darkest hours.

Amid the outpouring of tributes, anticipation grew for the formal celebrations of Smallwood’s life.

While official details of his funeral remain undisclosed, sources close to the family and organizers have hinted at a carefully planned service that will honor his legacy with the same reverence and excellence that defined his career.

The gospel community is expected to come together in a powerful display of unity, with multiple generations of artists likely to pay tribute to the man who set the standard for modern gospel music.

The Gospel Music Association released a statement emphasizing that Smallwood’s passing should be a moment of celebration rather than sorrow.

They highlighted his influence on gospel music and his commitment to excellence, noting that his legacy continues to inspire worshippers and musicians around the world.

This sentiment was echoed by countless fans and artists who took to social media to share their memories and express their gratitude for Smallwood’s life and work.

Richard Smallwood’s music will forever be remembered as a gift to the world.

His compositions, such as “Total Praise” and “I Love the Lord,” have become anthems of faith, resilience, and worship, sung by millions in moments of joy and sorrow alike.

His legacy is not only measured by his awards and accolades but by the lives he touched and the hope he inspired.

As the gospel world awaits the details of his funeral, one thing is certain: Richard Smallwood’s music will continue to lift hearts and voices in praise for generations to come.