The Recording Academy paid heartfelt homage to the late gospel music titan Richard Smallwood during the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, underscoring his monumental impact on gospel and mainstream music alike. Smallwood, who passed away on December 30, 2025, at age 77, was remembered not once but twice during the show in moments that resonated across the global audience.
The first tribute came early in the telecast with a visual recognition of Smallwood's life and legacy displayed during Reba McEntire's performance, bringing a reverent spotlight to the artist's contribution to American music and worship.
Later, as the broadcast approached its In Memoriam segment honoring D'Angelo and other music legends, the tribute culminated in a deeply moving musical moment. Lauryn Hill and an ensemble of performers delivered a powerful rendition of Smallwood's signature gospel classic Total Praise, eliciting applause and reflection from viewers and attendees alike.
Smallwood's "Total Praise," first recorded in 1996, has become a universal anthem of faith, trust, and spiritual uplift - a testament to his gift for blending classical sophistication with gospel soul. Written during a season of personal heartache, the song draws on Psalm 121 and has grown into one of the most beloved worship songs in contemporary church music worldwide.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Smallwood - an eight-time GRAMMY nominee - helped redefine modern gospel music. His compositions were covered by iconic artists such as Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Stevie Wonder, and Boyz II Men, bringing his sound to diverse audiences across genres.
Born November 30, 1948, in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood was a classically trained pianist and composer whose musical gifts emerged at an early age. After graduating cum laude from Howard University, he formed the influential Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 and later the choir Vision, leaving an enduring legacy in both sacred and secular music spaces.
His passing in late 2025 due to complications from kidney failure was met with an outpouring of remembrance from fellow artists, clergy, political leaders, and fans, all affirming the depth of his influence on hearts and communities around the world.
Richard Smallwood was a gospel composer, arranger, pianist, and recording artist whose work seamlessly merged traditional gospel roots with classical and contemporary elements. His music has uplifted millions, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. Smallwood's enduring contributions earned him numerous industry honors and a place among the most respected figures in gospel music history.
