Music Composer, Richard Smallwood Passes Away At 77, Family Requests Privacy, Know Cause Of Death
Richard Smallwood was a legendary music composer, whose songs have touched millions of people around the world. Richard was well-known for his much-loved song, Total Praise. Over the years, his music played a major role in shaping the music taste for more than 50 years. However, on December 30, 2025, Richard passed away at the age of 77. His death has left the music industry heartbroken. Amid that, read on to know the cause of his tragic death.
Richard Smallwood’s cause of death
Richard Smallwood, the music composer behind songs like Trust Me, Angels, My Everything, Thank You, Total Praise and more, passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 77. Reportedly, he took his last breath in Sandy Spring, Maryland. According to multiple reports, the legendary singer passed away due to complications from kidney failure. His publicist, Bill Carpenter had confirmed the cause of Richard’s death.
A while ago, Richard Smallwood’s team and family took to the music composer’s Instagram handle and shared the heartbreaking news. They shared a post, featuring multiple photos of the composer and in the caption, the family requested privacy during this tough time. The caption can be read as:
“We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood. The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.”
Richard Smallwood’s legacy
Richard Smallwood’s passing has left a void in the music industry. For the unversed, his musical journey began at a young age. He studied at Howard University and also helped form the school’s first gospel choir. After college, he made The Richard Smallwood Singers. The first album of the same, stayed on Billboard charts for 87 weeks. Over the years, he received multiple Grammy nominations and won awards such as Stellar and Dove Awards. He was also inducted into the Gospel Music of Fame. His music was recorded by artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and more.
Talking about Richard Smallwood’s legacy, the music composer has shaped the music taste of generations. Over the years, he wrote multiple iconic songs like Center of My Joy, I Love the Lord, Total Praise, Love Me, Guide Me and more. His song, Total Praise is still sung in churches and choirs. In his long career, he didn’t just write songs, he even brought classical music training together with gospel tradition.
More about Richard Smallwood
Richard Smallwood was born in 1948, to his mother, Mabel Ruth Locklear Smallwood and his stepfather, Chester Lee Smallwood. It is worth mentioning that Richard, in his personal life, struggled with clinical depression. Reportedly, he found it hard to leave his house or write music and even went ahead with seeking professional help. For the unversed, Richard never got married to anyone. He reportedly has two brothers, three foster sisters, nieces and nephews.
We offer strength to Richard Smallwood’s family in this tough time.
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