Richard Smallwood: Cause of Death, Personal Life, Family, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Biography

The gospel world mourned deeply on June 20, 2024, when Richard Smallwood, the legendary composer and pianist, passed away quietly at the Brook Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sandy Spring, Maryland.

Just a month after celebrating his 77th birthday, Smallwood succumbed to complications from kidney failure, after a long and private battle with health challenges including heart issues and difficulties with his hands—the very instruments of his divine gift.

His passing marked the end of an era for gospel music, leaving behind a legacy that transcended mere notes and melodies.

Born November 30, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, Smallwood’s early life was steeped in the rich traditions of African-American spiritual music.

His family moved to Washington, D.C., where the vibrant church culture and the sounds of choirs and organs became his earliest teachers.

By age five, he was already playing hymns by ear, demonstrating a natural affinity for music that would blossom into a lifelong ministry.

Smallwood pursued formal education in music, earning a bachelor’s degree in piano and voice from Howard University, followed by a master’s in ethnomusicology focusing on African diaspora music.

This blend of rigorous classical training and deep cultural scholarship gave birth to his unique sound—a fusion of sophisticated composition and heartfelt spiritual expression.

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Smallwood built a musical family through ensembles like the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision.

His compositions, including timeless classics such as “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord,” “Psalm 8,” and “Anthem of Praise,” became anthems of faith and hope worldwide.

These works are celebrated for their architectural grandeur and emotional depth, often performed in cathedrals, churches, and homes alike.

Despite public acclaim—including Grammy and Dove Awards and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame—Smallwood lived a life marked by humility and privacy.

He never married nor had children, choosing instead to cultivate a “musical family” of singers, musicians, and collaborators whom he mentored with care and devotion.

His church community also remained a vital anchor throughout his life.

Financially, Smallwood’s success was steady and respectable, with an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million at his passing.

His earnings came from album sales, publishing royalties, tours, and his academic career.

Yet, wealth was never his measure of success; rather, it was the spiritual impact of his music and ministry.

Smallwood’s lifestyle reflected his values: elegant, reserved, and intentional.

Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and intellectual presence, he carried himself with quiet dignity.

His retirement from touring in 2021 was a poignant moment, signaling a necessary retreat due to declining health but not a farewell to music itself.

His 2022 album, Messages, showcased a mature artist still deeply committed to his craft and calling.

The final chapter of Smallwood’s life was one of reflection and peace, surrounded by close friends, family, and the community he loved.

Though his physical body weakened, his spirit remained strong, leaving behind a legacy not measured in possessions but in millions of hearts moved, uplifted, and transformed by his music.

Richard Smallwood’s life was a testament to devotion, resilience, and grace.

His story reminds us that true wealth lies in purpose and that the greatest legacy is the enduring power of a song that lifts the soul to total praise.