Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 30, 1948 in Atlanta, GA

 

Richard Smallwood is a renowned American gospel musician, composer, and pianist. He was born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a musical family. His mother was a piano teacher, and his father was a church choir director. Smallwood grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at the age of five. Smallwood attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied classical piano and voice. He was a member of the university's choir and became its director in his senior year. After graduation, Smallwood worked as a schoolteacher in Washington, D.C., and continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1977, Smallwood formed the Richard Smallwood Singers, a gospel choir that blended traditional gospel music with classical music. The choir's unique sound and Smallwood's innovative arrangements quickly gained popularity, and they released their first album, "The Richard Smallwood Singers," in 1982. The album featured the hit song "I Love the Lord," which became a gospel classic and is still widely sung in churches today. Smallwood continued to compose and arrange music for the Richard Smallwood Singers, and they released several more albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1996, Smallwood received a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for his album "Healing: Live in Detroit." Smallwood's music is known for its powerful lyrics and intricate harmonies. He often incorporates classical music elements into his gospel compositions, creating a unique and dynamic sound. Some of his most popular songs include "Total Praise," "Center of My Joy," and "I'll Trust You." In addition to his work with the Richard Smallwood Singers, Smallwood has also collaborated with other gospel artists and musicians. He has worked with singers such as Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin, and has arranged music for the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Smallwood's contributions to gospel music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2006, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and in 2011, he received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards. He has also been honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award and the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award. Smallwood's music continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world. His unique blend of classical and gospel music has made him a pioneer in the genre and a beloved figure in the music industry.

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