The prince of gospel music, John P. Kee, has kicked off Black History Month with a special NPR Tiny Desk performance. The North Carolina pastor brought his band and members of his New Life Choir up to the big city to share some of their low country musical hospitality.
In a 25-minute set, Kee and his crew sang some of the biggest hits of his career, such as “Lily in the Valley,” “Jesus is Real,” and “Standing in the Need of Prayer,” among others.
The performance coincides with Kee’s new album, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Part 1 (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records), which features the Billboard and Mediabase Top 30 radio single, “Church Medley.” Album Listen Link: https://JPKtbpt1.lnk.to/aROPH2
Worship leader Ron Kenoly, who helped shape modern praise and worship in churches around the world paased away on February 3rd at 81. A singer, songwriter, pastor, and teacher, Ron Kenoly was known for worship anthems such as “Ancient of Days,” “Anointing Fall On Me,” and “Jesus Is Alive.”His songs were marked by Scripture-rich lyrics and an emphasis on joyful, congregational praise and became staples in churches across denominations.
Kenoly rose to international prominence with his 1992 live album Lift Him Up, which became one of the best-selling worship albums of the 1990s. Recorded with a live congregation, the project captured the energy and spontaneity that would come to define the contemporary praise and worship movement—a style that now dominates church music in the United States and beyond.
Kenoly consistently emphasized that worship was an act of service, not a stage performance. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he led worship concerts around the globe, recorded numerous albums, and trained countless worship leaders, encouraging them to lead people into authentic encounters with God.
His influence extended well beyond music charts. As a pastor and mentor, Kenoly was widely respected for his teaching on worship, leadership, and spiritual integrity. Many credit him with helping shift worship culture from choir-led traditions to participatory, congregation-centered praise. In a statement shared on Facebook, Judah Church reflected on his legacy:
“Our Hearts are heavy today at the loss of our very own Dr. Ron Kenoly—the Trail-Blazer, Father, Anointed Writer and Worshiper, Friend, Leader, and Minister. Though we rejoice with him as he receives his eternal reward—for his impact across Nations and Generations is unmatched, we will feel his absence in our Judah Family and beyond.”
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a profound legacy, one not measured not only in his songs, but in generations of believers being taught to worship with passion, joy, and purpose.
Beloved worship trailblazers The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir have taken home the 2026 GRAMMY® Award for Best Roots Gospel Album for their StowTown Records set, I Will Not Be Moved: Live with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Marking the seventh Recording Academy honor for The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the first-ever GRAMMY® win for StowTown Records, the award was presented during the 68th GRAMMY® Awards Premiere Ceremony, held earlier today in Los Angeles.
“We are deeply grateful to receive this GRAMMY® Award,” says Carol Cymbala, founding musical director of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Recording Academy and all those who made this honor possible.”
“The entire team at StowTown Records is thrilled that the voting members of the Recording Academy have recognized this incredible project, giving the choir their seventh GRAMMY® Award win,” adds Landon Beene, president, StowTown Records/StowTown Worship Resource. “Working alongside Carol Cymbala and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
“Carol Cymbala could not be here tonight, but on behalf of her and the entire choir and everyone involved, we are so grateful to write songs, record songs, and get music out there that we pray will encourage you and will bring Hope to the world, in the name of Jesus,” shared I Will Not Be Moved: Live with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir featured artist TaRanda Greene, who was on hand to accept the GRAMMY® for the group.
Produced by Cymbala along with J. Daniel Smith, I Will Not Be Moved: Live with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir features seven worship favorites as well as three impassioned originals. The 2025 project spotlights guest turns from two-time Dove Award winners Babbie Mason and TaRanda Greene; Elevation Church’s Brad Hudson; and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Stephen McWhirter.
ABOUT THE BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR Among the most revered and influential ensembles of all time, seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winner The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is a key architect of the modern worship movement. Since its inception almost 50 years ago, the iconic group has released more than 40 albums and garnered nine Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Through the years, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s recordings have featured guest appearances from such acclaimed genre-spanning artists as Paul Baloche, Larnelle Harris, Israel Houghton, Alvin Slaughter, and Shane & Shane, among others.
Under the direction of founder Carol Cymbala, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel and its power to change lives on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the 2012 inauguration of President Barack Obama, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than a billion people; the 2023 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC; Carnegie Hall; Radio City Music Hall; the Madison Square Garden Theater; and two Billy Graham Crusades.
THE QUARTET COLLECTIVE is a new Gospel supergroup uniting four voices and generations on a mission to honor the heritage of Gospel quartets while advancing its sound for a global audience. Zacardi Cortez, Darnell Williams, Edwrin Sutton, and Keon Harrison are the GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning distinctive voices who make up The Quartet Collective. This group is a first-of-its-kind, quartet–inspired collaborative effort from the four celebrated voices whose artistry spans church culture, radio charts, and epic viral moments.
The group is preparing an album produced by Darnell Williams to be released by Black Smoke Music Worldwide.
“Quartet has always been the engine of Gospel music, but this is the first Gospel quartet supergroup of its kind—four commanding voices, one unified sound, and songs built to shake the church and the culture,” states Kerry Douglas, Owner of Black Smoke Music Worldwide. “This is history in harmony, and we’re honored to bring it to the world.”
Meet The Quartet Collective Voices:
Zacardi Cortez is a 2X GRAMMY® nominee and 3-time Stellar Award-winning artist. Zacardi is a church-bred power tenor with elastic range, fearless modulation, and signature ad-libs that turn strong songs into show-stopping praise breaks. Zacardi is one of Gospel music’s most notable voices, who delivers soul-stirring, unforgettable live moments. Zacardi’s single “Work It Out For Me” recently hit #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart.
Darnell Williams is the frontman of the award-winning group The Williams Singers. He is a 4-time Stellar Award nominee widely credited with helping to revolutionize Quartet music, blending traditional quartet with contemporary R&B/hip-hop and testimonial songwriting. Darnell is a silky, R&B-leaning tenor with immaculate pocket, crisp runs, and intuitive arranger’s instincts threading classic quartet emotion through modern grooves.
Edwrin Sutton is a singer/songwriter who was introduced to the Gospel industry in 2021 with his debut single “I Hear Rain,” which peaked at #32 on the Gospel BDS Radio Chart. He is an expressive tenor whose debut album, THE REVIVAL, debuted at #23 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and #5 on the Top Gospel Album Sales chart. Sutton’s pen is marked by scripture-rich storytelling and memorable hooks. He fuses revival-ready lyrics with quartet call-and-response, crafting verses, bridges, and modulations that travel seamlessly from Sunday morning services to the radio airwaves.
Keon Harrison is a seasoned quartet singer with The Harrison Family who went viral in 2023 for a wedding performance of TEEKS’ “First Time.” Keon’s warm, resonant baritone lead vocal, with authentic quartet coloring and storytelling vibrato, creates an emotional core that anchors the harmonies. His alliance with The Quartet Collective marks his introduction to mainstream Gospel.
The Quartet Collective is on cue to release their first single in May and an album later this year. Fans can expect quartet-driven harmonies, testimony-rich lyrics, hand-clapping rhythms, and spirit-stirring modulations delivered with contemporary polish – that’s the Quartet Collective’s way! Follow these gentlemen on social media and prepare for the sensational sounds of The Quartet Collective!
EvoWorld Entertainment, INC is the Alabama-based entertainment enterprise established in 2015 by Lisa Knowles-Smith. EvoWorld provides a major-label experience, resources, and quality services, delivered with passion and pride. EvoWorld continues to grow and expand with their artists Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Darrel Petties & Take 2, Men Of Prayze, Blest By Four, and Jamsin Walton. And now, the label is proud to announce the signing of DJ Allen and Righteous, further expanding the thriving roster of impactful Gospel artists.
“I’m incredibly proud of the momentum happening at EvoWorld Entertainment. It represents more than success. It reflects vision, consistency, and purpose in action,” says founder and CEO Lisa Knowles-Smith. “I’m grateful for the artists, creatives, and partners who have trusted EvoWorld with their gifts. It’s their excellence and commitment that continue to push this brand forward.”
DJ Allen & Righteous represent the new generation of Gospel quartets. They are a young, family-based group aged 13-20. DJ gained experience and his love for the genre by singing with his father’s family group, Bishop Kenneth Robinson & Chosen. Group members DJ, Reece, Carson, and Kayden combine their electrifying, anointed vocals to create a powerful, uplifting experience. EvoWorld will release new music from DJ Allen & Righteous this year.
EvoWorld’s pioneering, and multiple Stellar Award-winning group, Lisa Knowles-Smith & the Brown Singers, has a hit song sweeping across the nation. Their single “Promises” has climbed to #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Airplay Chart this week ending January 31 and to the #1 spot on The Gospel Top 40 Radio Chart for the week of January 28. With the success of their “Promises” radio, viral, and live video single, which has received over 2.9M views on YouTube, Lisa & The Brown Singers released “Promises 2.0,” available now on all digital music platforms.
EvoWorld’s Darrel Petties and Take 2 have also released their fan-favorite single, “Word,” which is currently impacting radio and gaining strong listener response.
Label growth and humble celebration of hard work continue with the achievement of their artist Men of Prayze for their years of faith, sacrifice, prayer, and unwavering commitment to the ministry through music. The group earned a 2025 Stellar Award for Quartet of the Year at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards. This marks the group’s first Stellar Award and records them as the first quartet group from Alabama to bring home this prestigious honor.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude and humility. To be named Quartet of the Year at the 2025 Stellar Awards is beyond anything we imagined when Men of Prayze began in 2005,” says Men of Prayze. “We thank God first, our label EvoWorld Entertainment, our families, and everyone who has supported, prayed for, and believed in us along the way. This award belongs to all who believed long before the spotlight. We receive this with full hearts, committed to continuing what we’ve always done—lifting the name of Jesus through song.”
Additionally, Lisa & The Brown Singers have begun the new year with an impressive string of music award nominations and honors including: The Sound Awards – Independent Artist Of The Year (Lisa), The Soar Awards – Music Artist Of The Year, Church Anthem Of The Year, Most Played Song of the Year, The Quartet Music Awards – Project of the Year, National Artist Of The Year, Trailblazer Of The Year, and The Celebration of Quartet Awards 2026 Honoree.
EvoWorld Entertainment is on a mission to find and share inspiration in every turn. Lisa states, “As we grow, our mission stays the same: to elevate purpose-driven talent, create lasting opportunities, and lead with integrity. This is just the beginning.”
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is humbled and grateful to celebrate a remarkable milestone: more than 50 million copies sold worldwide across the Jesus Calling brand, now available in over 35 languages. The devotional series from the late author Sarah Young continues to invite readers into daily moments of stillness, Scripture and deeper connection with God.
“For two decades, Jesus Calling has been a quiet force, transforming lives one day at a time,” said Michael Aulisio, VP/Publisher, Jesus Calling Brand. “Sarah’s mission was simple yet profound: to help people draw closer to Jesus and experience peace in His presence. This achievement reflects millions of lives touched by grace, hope, and the faithfulness of God.”
First published in 2004, Young’s devotional writings grew out of her personal prayer journaling; reflections rooted in Scripture and shaped by a lifelong love for Jesus. Young consistently affirmed the authority of the Bible and viewed her devotions as companions to time in God’s Word, written to help readers cultivate a listening, prayerful heart.
“After we initially published Jesus Calling in 2004, one of the most common pieces of feedback we received from readers was ‘it feels like each day is written just for me’ “ continues Aulisio. “That same phrase was repeated thousands of times by individuals of all walks of life. Sarah would say that is because when we spend time in the Bible and meditating on His Word, Jesus meets us right where we are.”
Over the years, Jesus Calling has become a cherished gift within churches, families, and communities. Readers across generations and denominations have embraced its message, including well-known voices such as Amy Grant, Reba McEntire, Rita Wilson, Max Lucado, CeCe Winans, Chris Tomlin, Julie Chen Moonves, Savannah Guthrie, Terry Bradshaw, Ann Voskamp, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Melinda French Gates, each sharing how the devotional has encouraged them during pivotal seasons of faith and life.
The Jesus Calling brand has since expanded to reach readers in every stage of life, inspiring children’s and teen editions, seasonal devotionals, and additional titles. It has also expanded beyond books, including a popular podcast approaching 500 episodes, and a television series on UP Faith & Family that shares testimonies of faith in daily life.
As HarperCollins Christian Publishing marks this milestone, the spirit is not one of celebration alone, but of gratitude; gratitude for God’s enduring Word and the countless lives strengthened through time spent with Him.
ABOUT JESUS CALLING: Jesus Calling has sold more than 50 million units across more than 35 languages since its 2004 publication. The Jesus Calling brand includes children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, a quarterly print-and-digital Jesus Calling magazine, the Jesus Calling podcast, the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television program, and an app available on both Apple and Android platforms. For additional information, visit JesusCalling.com.
ABOUT THOMAS NELSON: Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum, and digital content, and distributes its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, visit ThomasNelson.com.
We The Kingdom released their newest album, ‘Dear Jesus,’ via Capitol Christian Music Group. The seven-track project captures the band at their most honest and heartfelt, blending their signature folk-rock sound with deeply personal songwriting rooted in faith, hope, and redemption.
Recorded in their own studio in Nashville, ‘Dear Jesus’ returns to what first brought We The Kingdom together: writing songs that reflect real life, including both the beauty and the struggle, and the moments of light that break through.
The album opens with “Don’t Let The Darkness,” an upbeat reminder to keep going even when the world feels heavy. Driven by bright twelve-string guitar textures, the track pairs a classic, feel-good energy with a message of hope that encourages listeners to let light break through the darkest corners of the heart.
“Let It Be Jesus” brings the project back to simplicity, pairing a lighthearted feel with a message of surrender and open-handed faith. On “Rescue Me,” the band delivers a modern take on David and Goliath, capturing the kind of courage that comes from admitting you can’t do it alone and asking God to step in.
At the center of the record is the title track “Dear Jesus,” inspired by a real conversation that sparked the band’s imagination. Written like a letter to God from someone in the middle of brokenness, the song is gritty, emotional, and filled with grace.
“I Belong To You” was born of a dream and carries a feel-good pulse, anchored by the reminder that belonging is vital, especially amid life’s chaos. “Holiness,” featuring Chris Tomlin, reflects We The Kingdom’s worship roots with a moment of reverence and vertical adoration. The album closes with “Easy,” a quiet exhale of a song that centers on rest, peace, and the reminder that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
‘Dear Jesus’ Track List:
Don’t Let The Darkness Let It Be Jesus Rescue Me Dear Jesus I Belong To You Holiness (feat. Chris Tomlin) Easy *All songs written by We The Kingdom (Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Martin Cash, Andrew Bergthold)
**Track 6 written by Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Martin Cash, Andrew Bergthold & Chris Tomlin
ABOUT WE THE KINGDOM:
We The Kingdom is a multi-generational family of musicians whose music blends worship, rock, and folk influences. Since their debut, they’ve earned two GRAMMY nominations, multiple Dove Awards, and RIAA Platinum certification for their No. 1 single “Holy Water,” which topped Christian radio for eight weeks and recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. With over one billion global career streams, 2.6 million monthly Spotify listeners, and 1.2 million combined social followers, the band continues to share music that resonates deeply with audiences.
Grammy® Award-nominated recording artist/producer, Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity, is celebrating the silver anniversary of their groundbreaking 19-track Chainbreaker album that released at the turn of the millennium. The double-disc set was released before Billboard Magazine had a gospel radio airplay singles chart, but that album sprouted several radio hits. “Anybody Here,” “We Worship You,” and “Chain Breaker” were unique fusions of urban rhythms with choir harmonies. Those songs and the project became an influential soundtrack for scores of inner-city youth church groups. “It was really exciting because nobody was making gospel like this when I made did the album,” Haddon recalls. “Chain Breaker was the song that shifted the sound in gospel music. We pushed some boundaries.”
Haddon is still pushing those boundaries as Chain Breaker 2.5 (ManHaddon Ministries / Tyscot Records) releases this Friday. The new set features reworks of six of the original songs. Chain Breaker 2.5 dumps the rock edge of the original for a slick urban groove and guest appearances from gospel music legends such as Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, and John P. Kee. Hip Hop producer Zaytoven stopped through to play the keys, and rapper T. Church spit some verse.
The original album’s biggest hit, “Anybody Here,” is given two treatments. Young gospel queen Jekalyn Carr joins Haddon for a quartet-styled Southern Soul Mix of it, while DJ Malaski and Angel Chisholm guest on the street version. Haddon also adds a handful of new tracks, such as the Acoustic Pop cut “Find Jesus” and the progressive “Back to Life.” The set also features a new rendition of an early V.O.U. classic “Hold on 2 Your Faith” with the original soloist Damita, and vocal beast Tasha Page Lockhar,t who was once a member of the choir.
Over the years, Haddon has placed over two dozen songs on Billboard Magazine’s coveted Gospel Airplay chart – including four No. 1 smashes: “A Billion People,” “Open Door Season,” “Here Comes the Joy,” and “Never Be the Same.” He’s also known for the vintage hits “Sinner’s Prayer,” “Well Done,” “Heaven Knows,” “A Sinner’s Prayer,” and “He’s Able.” The Top Ten cut “Love Him Like I Do” featured Haddon alongside Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary. There have been other classic pairings with electronic king Moby, Usher, Q Parker, and Faith Evans. Haddon has earned 3x Grammy ® Award nominations, multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards and a Dove Award for Urban Album of the Year for Church on the Moon. Haddon has also starred in independent films such as Blessed and Cursed (2010) and The Fallen (2022).
The inspirational and multi-faceted Bishop Paul S. Morton, along with Tehillah Music Group, just released his latest single, “Go Through,” featuring the extraordinary talents of his son, Grammy Award winner PJ Morton, and his daughter, Jasmine Morton Robinson. Now available on all streaming platforms, ”Go Through” will soon be the church’s go-to anthem of resilience around the world.
Written by PJ Morton, ”Go Through” reflects Bishop Morton’s profound motivation to help prevail over the struggles and triumphs we all face in life. With a rich traditional gospel sound, the track harmonizes the dynamic vocal prowess of PJ Morton and the angelic tones of his eldest daughter, Jasmine Morton Robinson, and of course Bishop Morton, creating a moving musical tapestry that exemplifies family, faith, and the power of perseverance.
Bishop Morton, a beacon in the gospel music world with a career spanning decades, has dedicated his life to imparting spiritual guidance through music and ministry. The addition of his children to this project marks a beautiful and heartwarming collaboration that showcases not only their shared musical heritage but also the unbreakable bond only family can embody.
“Wow, this was one of the greatest experiences in my life,” says Bishop Morton. “The Greater St Stephen Reunion Choir — deja vu. It was a glimpse from the past, but a whole new experience I never had before.” He continues, “this project puts the old and the new songs together. I had the amazing opportunity to sing this awesome song with my two oldest children, Jasmine and PJ, who were not even born when I sang my first song with the Greater St Stephen Choir.” When mentioning the song, he says, “The essence of the song says, ‘you’ve got to go through to come out.’ I promise you it will speak into your life. You will make it through, and you will come out.”
President of Tehillah Music Group, Jerry Q. Parries adds, “I have had the honor of collaborating with Bishop Paul S. Morton for more than 25 years—a truly significant and memorable experience. His legacy continues through PJ and Jasmine, and Tehillah Music Group embodies his vision to create a lasting foundation for future generations. Bishop Morton now has the opportunity to witness the fulfillment of this vision. He has persevered through challenges and emerged victorious; this song serves as a testimony to His Victory. “Go Through”
“Go Through” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
It was a cold, bitter morning, around 11 degrees, as people gathered outside the doors and sat quietly in their cars in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in UpperMarlboro, MD. This was the day that friends, family, and admirers came to honor the life, legacy, and ministry of songwriter, composer, singer, and ordained minister Richard Smallwood.
Richard Smallwood’s casket at the front of the church during his Celebration of Life services on January 24, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD. (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
The homegoing celebration, held January 24, 2026, was marked by reverence, musical excellence, and an unmistakable sense that this was not merely a service but a tribute for a man who has poured so much out through his song and poured in to others through his humility and kindness. Under the musical direction of Donald Lawrence, with choir direction by Anthony Brown, the music carried both weight and warmth, honoring a man whose life was informed by the classical, framed in the gospel genre, and always anchored in Scripture.
Smallwood Singer Dottie Jones sings “I Love the Lord” backed by Vision during Richard Smallwood’s Celebration of Life, January 24, 2026 (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
Before he prayed the opening prayer, Stephen Hurd reflected on how Richard Smallwood had a mastery of Scripture and music theory. “Even as we want to mourn and we want to cry,” he said, “we are rejoicing, because had it not been for a Smallwood song, some of us would not have learned our circle of fifths.” That remark evoked laughter for those who grasped the musical humor behind it.
Gospel artist Rev. Stephen Hurd delivers the opening prayer at the Richard Smallwood Celebration of Life, January 24, 2026. (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
A very touching moment came when, after watching a video in which the maestro said he wanted his work to outlive him, clips of “Total Praise” being sung around the world flashed on the screen, with even Stevie Wonder playing the song on his harmonica. As many of the maestro’s songs were sung, Scripture appeared on the screens, reinforcing what everyone already knew about Richard Smallwood: these compositions were born of an intimate knowledge of the Word.
Maurette Brown-Clark sings “Angels” during the Celebration of Life for Richard Smallwood, January 24, 2026 (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
Longtime collaborator Darin Atwater and the Soulful String Ensemble opened the musical journey with a classical selection, “Ormhelich, EsMahtew, and Prasoin”. The blend of strings and spirit set the right tone for the rest of the service.
In a tribute by Metropolitan Baptist Church, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr.H. Beecher Hicks Jr. reminded the attendees that Richard Smallwood believed the choir loft was holy ground. “Preparation itself was an act of reverence,” he said. “Through him, we learned that excellence is not elitism.” He also extolled his approach to song creation, “”Rev. Richard Smallwood understood that the song is not born out of convenience; it is born out of conviction.”
There were letters from former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Hilary Rodham Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and other dignitaries. Tributes from family painted a picture of a legend filled with love and compassion. His foster sisters spoke of how, when it became necessary, Smallwood, still a college student, assumed guardianship and took them to school and appointments. Many fellow gospel artists were in attendance, including Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, A. Jeffrey LaValley, Byron Cage, and others. Songstress Valerie Simpson was also spotted in attendance.
Godson Tre Thomas recalled how his Godfather enjoyed the benefits of his celebrity but really just wanted to be “regular.” Smallwood also taught him to be honest and be a man of his word. Nephew, Robert Clements II. Richard was a sunshine to us. When he walked into a room, you felt his sunshine, his laughter, his humor. “Outside of his music, his personality had a way of affecting you, and when you engaged with Richard, you never left the same.” Clements thanked everyone for coming and asked that attendees continue to pray for their family.
Actress Phylicia Rashad came to honor her Howard University schoolmate, a reminder of how far Smallwood’s influence reached. Rashad recalled that Smallwood was instrumental in founding the Howard Gospel Choir and the impact it had when it was formed. She recalled how, because of their different paths, he with music, she with the theatre, had not connected for a while. However, years ago, when she was going through a difficult time, someone shared Smallwood’s album, which contained “I Love the Lord.” She stated that the song helped her through tough times. Of his character, she said, Richard was so easy, so natural, so calm, so every day, so accessible, and yes, grand.” She called him “Sir Richard,” and the sanctuary erupted in applause.
Phylicia Rashad pays tribute to Richard Smallwood during his Celebration of Life, Jan 24, 2026 (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, accompanied by First Lady Dawn Moore, presented a plaque to the family. Gov. Moore said, “He was the soundtrack of our salvation. He was the one who could offer the soundtrack when we were having those moments of joy, and we were having those moments of pain.” The Governor went on to burst into song, singing an excerpt from the Smallwood classic, “Center of My Joy.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, accompanied by First Lady Dawn Moore, presented a plaque to the family during Richard Smallwood’s Celebration of Life, January 24, 2026 (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
Former Metropolitan Pastor Maurice Watson delivered the eulogy, “Two Psalmists, One God,” drawn from Psalm 121, which was Smallwood’s favorite passage. Pastor Watson paralleled Smallwood’s life with that of David. He also spoke of Smallwood’s music being high enough to make the erudite sit up and listen,” Pastor Watson said, “but it was low enough to inspire and give hope to the common person.” In that single line, the genius of Richard Smallwood was eloquently captured.
Pastor Maurice Watson delivers the eulogy at the Richard Smallwood Celebration of Life, January 24, 2026 (Photo credit: Alicia Butler-Adams)
As the service drew to a close, pianist and Broadway conductor Joseph Joubert offered an instrumental arrangement of “Total Praise” that was both breathtaking and divine. Then came the grand finale: Vision and the Celebration Choir, comprising the Smallwood Singers, Metropolitan Baptist, Union Temple, and the Howard University Gospel Choir, sang “Total Praise,” the song written in 1996 that will certainly live on in perpetuity, as Richard Smallwood desired.
Vision and the combined choirs sing “Total Praise” during the Celebration of Life Services for Richard Smallwood, January 24, 2026.
As the maestro was wheeled from the sanctuary, Atwater and the Soulful String Ensemble returned with a final classical farewell: Bach’s “Jesus bleibet meine Freude” from Cantata BWV 147, followed by Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise.” It was a fitting crescendo for a life filled with brilliance, humanity, and graciousness.
It was obvious that Richard Smallwood left his indelible mark. He was a man who believed that music, when done with excellence and undergirded by scripture, could change lives. He wanted his music to outlast his life. His spiritually rich and dignified Celebration of Life, filled with songs penned by the maestro himself, confirms that will long be the case for generations to come.
Someday I’ll leave this earthly dwelling, Through time and space my soul will soar And finally see the face of Jesus. And praise that name forevermore ~”That Name”, song written by Richard Smallwood
