Raphael Varnock, HBCU Choir honors gospel legend Richard Smallwood

Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock led the movement and a spirit-filled tribute ceremony life and legacy by legendary gospel composer Richard Smallwood, uniting faith, music and cultural memory on Capitol Hill. The tribute was made even more powerful by participation Howard University A gospel choir, whose voices underscored Smallwood’s lasting influence on black sacred music and worship. The ceremony celebrated not only Smallwood’s immeasurable contributions to gospel music, but also his profound influence on generations of artists, religious leaders and institutions rooted in spiritual excellence.

A ceremony on Capitol Hill, led by Warnock, honored Smallwood, who died last month at the age of 77. Senator Tim Scott and the Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir were also in attendance, according to Complex. During the program, Warnock and his fellow senators introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution recognizing Smallwood’s lasting contributions to music, culture and humanity. The Howard University Gospel Choir and the Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir teamed up for a rousing performance of “Total Praise,” one of Smallwood’s most beloved compositions.

Addressing the audience, Warnock thought about Smallwood’s deep connections Howard University and the Washington, DC area, highlighting how the composer’s work was shaped by—and in turn helped shape—the city’s rich spiritual and musical traditions.

Smallwood’s passion for music began at an early age. He learned to play the piano at the age of five and formed his first gospel group only a few years later. Born in Washington, D.C., Smallwood earned a degree in music from Howard University before forming the Richard Smallwood Singers. During his career, he has released ten studio albums, six live albums, six compilation albums and six video albums, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in gospel music.

Among his most notable works are “Total Praise” and “I Love the Lord”, the latter gaining widespread acclaim after being performed by Whitney Houston in the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife. Smallwood passed away after a battle with kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in churches, concert halls and hearts around the world.