Gospel Icon Richard Smallwood Passes at 77: Richard Smallwood, the Grammy-nominated gospel legend behind timeless hits like "Total Praise" and "I Love the Lord," died December 30, 2025, at age 77 from kidney failure complications in Sandy Spring, Maryland.In the dim glow of Brooke Grove Rehabilitation Center, Richard Smallwood's fingers twitched one final time over an imaginary keyboard, echoing the chords of "Total Praise" that had lifted countless souls skyward. Born in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., the prodigy played piano by ear at five, formed his first gospel group by 11, and later shaped modern worship with the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision ensemble. His melodies, covered by Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child, bridged classical grace and raw spiritual fire, earning eight Grammy nods and a Master of Divinity from Howard University—until health faded his final notes, leaving a legacy of praise that endures. Story By Donnell Ballard #GraceOfGod #RichardLawson #Gospel #rainbow