Some moments are etched into collective memory. On December 20, 2025, an otherwise ordinary day was disrupted when an unexpected post appeared across Facebook feeds, triggering shock and deep sadness: “We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician Richard Smallwood.”
Sixteen words. Words that would change the trajectory of conversations in the ensuing days and weeks. To those who knew him, loved his music, or were encouraged to go on because of the words he penned, those sixteen words cut deeply. The voice and the pen that touched so many lives had fallen silent.
Songs That Transcend Time. There are certain artists whose music does more than just inspire. It ministers, instructs, and guides listeners toward God. Richard Smallwood had the uncanny ability to weave scripture into music seamlessly. His was a sound shaped by classical training, punctuated by choral brilliance, and all underpinned by his uncompromising biblical astuteness. His compositions proved that musical excellence and spiritual depth are not polar opposites but instead are complementary in every way.
From the opening notes of “Total Praise,” listeners are ushered into a sacred space rooted in God’s Word. The song is anchored in Psalm 121:1–2:
Lord, I will lift
Mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help
Is coming from You
Richard allowed Scripture to speak for itself, carried on rich harmonies, and restrained majesty. The result is timeless. “I Love the Lord” is another example as it draws directly from Psalm 116:1: “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” The song unfolds like a testimony wrapped in melody, giving voice to gratitude, deliverance, and unwavering faith. This song found another audience when Whitney Houston sang it as part of the movie, The Preacher’s Wife. “Trust Me” echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5–6, reminding believers to rely entirely on God rather than human understanding. Countless others have become staples of the gospel tradition, leaving a spiritual imprint in their lyrics. And of course, ‘Psalm 8,” which extols God’s excellence. Those who came for a concert were met with a musical immersion in the Word.
A True Native Son. Richard was always seen as the DMV’s very own, although born in Atlanta, Georgia, Richard Smallwood loved the DMV, and it was there that the music that would last through the ages was born. Moving here at an early age, he emerged as a prodigy at Union Temple Baptist Church, attended Howard University, and once taught at the University of Maryland. Yes, he surely earned his DMV creds and was swiftly adopted as a native son. For anyone skeptical of the DMV’s claim to this musical gift, they need only look at how believers were grafted into the vine. Richard was grafted into the DMV. It’s real, tangible, authentic, and irrevocable.
In an industry where appreciation is often delayed until memorial services and retrospectives, Richard Smallwood got his flowers while he was still here to enjoy them. Over the past two years, many intentionally took the time to honor this gift to the world, and most importantly, God’s kingdom.
Among the most memorable of these moments was his phenomenal 75th birthday celebration, orchestrated by Jared Sawyers. Several artists, many from the DMV, sang his timeless songs, creating an atmosphere of joy, reverence, and love for the maestro.
The celebration affirmed what many already knew: Richard Smallwood’s music will never be confined to time or space. It will continue to speak with clarity, authority, and anointing to every generation. Other noteworthy celebrations included 2024’s “A Gospel Symphony Celebration” at The Kennedy Center and 2025’s special holiday tribute by the Bowie State Gospel Choir, under the direction of Professor LaToya Wrenn.
Beyond his musical legacy, Richard Smallwood’s life reflected a deep and abiding love for family and friends, particularly his devotion to his mother. That love found lasting expression through the creation of the Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, established in her honor. The foundation stands as a living memorial, dedicated to empowering young people through education, the arts, and character development. In this act, he exemplified the biblical principle of honoring one’s parents, transforming private affection into public good.
One could also say that being so connected to the scriptures led Richard to sometimes operate prophetically. For example, he told gospel industry insider Jerome Bell that he was destined to become a pastor. Years later, that prophetic word became reality and Pastor Jerome Bell now leads Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Richard Smallwood’s influence cannot be measured solely by awards, recordings, or standing ovations. It is measured in prayers whispered through tears, in Scriptures remembered through song. It’s also measured by the lives strengthened by music that tells the truth about God’s faithfulness. His music continues to remind us that praise is heartfelt and that faith, when set to music, can endure for generations. The world is richer because Richard Smallwood passed this way.
“I have lived such a very blessed life. I am so thankful to God,” he says. “What a journey this has been. This is not about making money. It’s about winning souls and encouraging people through Christ. He takes care of it all.”-Richard Smallwood in 2015 Washington Post interview with Keith Alexander.
Richard Smallwood’s Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 24, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Glenarden. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. The services will be livestreamed at https://fbcglenarden.org/funeralviewing
