Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer and composer, has died. He was 77.
A representative for Smallwood confirmed the "Total Praise" musician died on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.
Smallwood's family also shared a statement announcing his death on his verified Instagram account.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood," the post said. "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."
A graduate of Howard University, Smallwood founded the group the Richard Smallwood Singers, which released their eponymous debut album in 1982. They "created a distinct sound that caught on with middle class, mostly black Christian young adults," an obituary for Smallwood provided to USA TODAY noted. He later formed Vision, a backing choir with which he released several albums into the 2010s.
