Jonathan Ellwanger leads Burlington’s first year-round community gospel choir, which will celebrate the civil rights leader at Champlain College.

Smallwood died at the age of 77 from complications of kidney failure on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Richard Smallwood, a gospel music legend, left an indelible mark on Black worship and music. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.

He became one of the country's biggest names in gospel, with songs that were covered by Destiny's Child, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder.

Listen to the "Let Freedom Sing" concert at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, check out "The Weavers ...

Catholic teaching holds that the duty to support the Church is real — but always measured according to one’s ability and ...

The eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer had faced health challenges for years, but his dedication to music kept him ...

After college, Smallwood taught music at the University of Maryland and went on to form the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 ...

Join the celebration of life for gospel legend Richard Smallwood on Jan. 24. Tributes pour in for the award-winning composer and pianist.

Smallwood, a Howard University graduate, wrote the gospel hit “Total Praise.” His songs were performed and recorded by artists such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child and Boyz II Men.