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Renowned American gospel music composer, pianist, singer, and arranger, celebrated for blending classical, traditional, and contemporary gospel styles.Born in Atlanta, Georgia. Earned a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology from Howard University. Founded The Richard Smallwood Singers. Won multiple Grammy, Stellar, and Dove awards. Composed enduring gospel standards performed globally.

• Smallwood faced controversy when his long-time choir, Vision, parted ways in the mid-2000s; he subsequently formed Richard Smallwood with Vision.
• Despite his deep roots in gospel, his early musical training was classical piano, significantly influencing his sophisticated compositional style.
• His iconic song "Total Praise" became a global anthem, notably performed at significant events like the 2012 memorial service for Whitney Houston, yet Smallwood expressed disappointment it wasn't chosen for President Obama's 2009 inauguration.
• He has been open about personal struggles, including periods of depression, using his faith and music as sources of strength and testimony.