Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosted GospelFest on April 9 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The 2026 installment of the event was a grand tribute to the late Richard Smallwood, the great gospel legend and composer that died Dec. 30, 2025. The concert was conducted by Jonathan Taylor Rush and featured performances by HBCU choirs. Guest artists included Maurette Brown Clark, Tabitha Brooks and Kymberli Joyeragin.
Tag: Richard Smallwood
Posted inHBCU
Howard University celebrates 102nd Charter Day dinner with fashion, flare
Howard University held its 102nd Charter Day dinner on March 7, honoring four distinguished alumni and raising over $1.1 million in ticket sales to uplift students.
Posted inReligion
‘Total Praise’: Smallwood’s signature anthem embodies Jan. 24 celebration of life service
Thousands gathered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland to celebrate the life and legacy of gospel composer and singer Richard Smallwood, honoring the “Maestro” with music, testimony and tributes from faith leaders, artists and public officials. The Jan. 24 service highlighted Smallwood’s enduring impact as a theologically grounded musician whose compositions bridged church, campus and global stages.
Posted inObituaries
Richard Smallwood, gospel icon, to be honored at Jan. 24 celebration of life
The celebration of life for legendary gospel artist Richard Smallwood will take place Jan. 24 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Md. Smallwood, 77, died of complications from kidney failure on Dec. 30, 2025.
Posted inWord In Black
Richard Smallwood: ‘I’m looking forward to singing with you in heaven’
The death of Richard Smallwood, the legendary gospel composer and musician whose work reshaped Black church worship, on Dec. 30 at age 77, has prompted tributes across congregations and the music world. Best known for “Total Praise” and other modern hymns, Smallwood blended classical training with gospel tradition, leaving a lasting spiritual and musical legacy that continues to resonate across denominations and generations.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Gospel giant Richard Smallwood, composer of timeless hits, has died at 77
Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated, classically trained gospel composer and recording artist whose work reshaped contemporary gospel music, died Dec. 30 at age 77 from complications of kidney failure. Over a five-decade career, Smallwood blended classical, pop and gospel traditions, creating enduring songs like “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord” and “Center of My Joy,” while influencing generations of artists across gospel, R&B and popular music.
Posted inMusic
Maurette Brown Clark reflects on faith, music and finding her true calling
Gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark opens up about her journey from a traditional career path to answering God’s call through music. From her early doubts to a Stellar Award-winning career and a bold new season of freedom, Clark shares how faith shaped her voice and vision for the future.