World of gospel music mourns legendary Richard Smallwood

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The world of gospel music, both here in Richmond and beyond, is mourning the loss of GRAMMY award-winning artist Richard Smallwood.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Smallwood passed away in a Maryland hospital as a result of complications from kidney failure. He was 77 years old.

"We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter and musician, Richard Smallwood," reads a statement posted to Richard Smallwood's official Facebook page. "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."

Smallwood is perhaps best known for his anthem "Total Praise." This and his many other works defined his signature style: classical blended with traditional gospel.

Singer, Composer, Musician And Recording Artist Richard Smallwood speaks after receiving the "Lifetime Achievement Award - Corporate Edition" during the Allstate Gospel SuperFest 2015 at House Of Hope Arena on MARCH 21, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

Richard Smallwood along with his back singers known as Vision, perform over dubs on his new album in the basement of his home in Bowie, Maryland, on February 02, 2015. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Gospel singer and icon Richard Smallwood and his infamous background singers Vision perform on Mother's Day at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on May 10, 2015. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

His career stretches back to his childhood in the 1960s, when he formed his first gospel group at just 11 years old. Smallwood went on to graduate from Howard University, as well as found both the Richard Smallwood Singers and the group "Vision."

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Sheilah Belle, "The Belle" of Richmond's Praise 104.7 radio station, is one of many who are feeling the weight of this tragic loss. Belle attended gospel music retreats with Smallwood for years.

"[When] I heard the news of Richard's passing, I just stopped and thought, 'How is this going ot affect the gospel community?'" she said. "Because it just makes you think, 'What happens next? Who is going to fill that void?'"

DJ Sheilah Belle [left] and Richard Smallwood [right]. (Photo: DJ Sheilah Belle)

Richard Smallwood. (Photo: DJ Sheilah Belle)

Belle said that Smallwood cared deeply about the quality of his work.

"He didn't rush the music," she said. "He took the time for each note to be heard, each song to be sung. Each word, each melody ... He took his time. He wanted the best, he gave us the best, he delivered the best and he was the best."

This is just one of many traits that contributed to Smallwood's status as the "maestro of gospel music," according to Belle.

"He pushed out music that you could sing to," she said. "He pushed out music that, when you were going through something, you could hold onto. He pushed out music that the choir could sing to, and that we could relate to, and where the words would resonate within our soul."

Details on funeral arrangements for Smallwood are forthcoming.