Richard Smallwood

Composer, pianist and arranger, Richard Smallwood has clearly and solidly changed the face of gospel music. He has impeccably blended classical movements with traditional gospel, and arrive at a mix that is invariably Smallwood’s alone. A diverse and innovative artist, Richard Smallwood has achieved many honors; Dove Awards and a Grammy also attest to his talents.

Richard Smallwood was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 30, 1948. After graduating from Howard University (his classmates included Donny Hathaway, Debbie Allen, and Phylicia Rashad), where he earned degrees in vocal performance and piano, Smallwood taught music at the University of Maryland and eventually formed the Richard Smallwood Singers, putting out an eponymous debut album in 1982 that spent an impressive 87 weeks on Billboard's gospel chart. The group enjoyed success into the early '90s, releasing a bevy of hit records before Smallwood put the project to rest and began releasing albums with his choir, Vision, who made their debut in 1996 with the Verity-issued Adoration: Live in Atlanta. In addition to his work with the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision, Smallwood has had his songs recorded by the likes of Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Kelly Price, Gerald Levert, and Aretha Franklin.

Richard Smallwood has been honored by the Smithsonian Institution as a “gospel innovator and songwriter,” and his hometown, Washington, D.C. heralded two separate occasions as “Richard Smallwood Day,” also, distinguishing him with the Mayoral Art Award for “precision and excellence in artistic discipline.” Smallwood’s gift has made room for him to minister to presidents and dignitaries at all of D.C.’s halls of fame, including the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center and the White House. Touching all areas of the arts, Richard and his singers toured with a theatrical musical, “Sing Mahalia Sing” starring Jennifer Holiday, which segued into a guest appearance on television’s “Ryan’s Hope” for ABC.

         Richard Smallwood - Adoration: Live In Atlanta Original May 21, 1996


         Richard Smallwood with Vision - To God - Live In Detroit


         Richard Smallwood - Behind The Scenes of Promises


         Richard Smallwood - Psalm 118 [His Mercy Endureth Forever]


         Angela Winbush/Richard Smallwood - I Won't Be Troubled


Angela Winbush and Richard Smallwood, along with the Union Temple Baptist Church Reunion Choir, minister with "I Won't Be Troubled."This song was originally written for Ms. Winbush back in the 70s, but was recorded on Smallwood's "Testimony" album in 1992.

Richard Smallwood was the original keyboardist and director for this choir back in the 60s and 70s. Union Temple Baptist Church was founded by Richard's step-father, the late Rev. Chester Smallwood.

        Richard Smallwood - It Is Well/Come, Ye Disconsolate