A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a world-class composer, pianist, and arranger.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 584 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 584

  Honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a world-
                 class composer, pianist, and arranger.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 15, 2026

Mr. Warnock (for himself and Mr. Scott of South Carolina) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a world-
                 class composer, pianist, and arranger.

Whereas Reverend Richard Smallwood was born on November 30, 1948, in Atlanta, 
        Georgia;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood was musically gifted from a young age, began playing 
        the piano by ear at age 5, formally trained at age 7, and formed his 
        first choir at age 11;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood graduated from Howard University cum laude with 
        degrees in classical vocal performance and piano and co-founded the 
        Celestials, the university's first gospel choir;
Whereas, after college, Reverend Smallwood taught music at the University of 
        Maryland, at the Washington School of Music, and for the District of 
        Columbia Public School System;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood released his first album in 1974, entitled, ``Look Up 
        and Live,'' and his second album in 1976, entitled, ``Give Us Peace'';
Whereas, in 1977, the Richard Smallwood Singers were formed and brought a 
        contemporary sound to gospel music;
Whereas, in 1982, the Richard Smallwood Singers' self-titled album was on 
        Billboard magazine's chart for top gospel albums for 87 weeks;
Whereas, in 1984, the album ``Psalms'' by the Richard Smallwood Singers topped 
        the gospel albums chart and earned the group their first Grammy 
        nomination for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group;
Whereas, in 1996, the album ``Adoration: Live in Atlanta'' was released and 
        featured ``Total Praise,'' which became one of Reverend Smallwood's 
        signature compositions and defined his career;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood is also known for his song ``I Love the Lord,'' which 
        was sung by Whitney Houston and debuted in the 1996 movie ``The 
        Preacher's Wife'';
Whereas Reverend Smallwood is also known for the songs ``Center of My Joy,'' 
        ``My Everything,'' and ``I Will Sing Praises'';
Whereas many of Reverend Smallwood's songs were recorded and performed by other 
        artists, notably Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, 
        Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark Sheard, Edwin Hawkins, Chaka Kahn, Kelly 
        Price, Ledisi, Gerald Levert, Reuben Studdard, and Aretha Franklin;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards and received 3 Dove 
        Awards from the Gospel Music Association;
Whereas, on separate occasions, Reverend Smallwood performed for former 
        President Richard Nixon, former President Ronald Reagan, and former 
        President William Clinton;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood was ordained as a minister at the District of 
        Columbia's historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in 2004, the same year 
        he completed his Master of Divinity degree at Howard University;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood served as an artist-in-residence at Metropolitan 
        Baptist Church, following his ordination and throughout his ministry;
Whereas, in 2006, Reverend Smallwood was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of 
        Fame;
Whereas, in November 2019, Reverend Smallwood released a book entitled, ``Total 
        Praise: The Autobiography of Richard Smallwood'';
Whereas, in 2024, the National Symphony Orchestra held a 2-day celebration of 
        his 75th birthday at the Kennedy Center;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood's musical virtuoso continues to inspire listeners and 
        is rooted deeply in faith-based worship that blends classical gospel 
        music with themes of hope, healing, and resilience, teaching believers 
        to find strength in God during times of suffering;
Whereas Reverend Smallwood's iconic song entitled, ``Total Praise'' has become a 
        universal hymn of surrender and divine support, reflecting the rich 
        layers of the Black spiritual experience and steadfast belief that will 
        continue to inspire listeners for generations to come; and
Whereas Reverend Smallwood left a lasting legacy in the music industry, rooted 
        in faith and triumph: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) mourns the passing of the legendary gospel 
        extraordinaire Reverend Richard Smallwood;
            (2) honors the life and legacy of Reverend Richard 
        Smallwood and his contributions to the United States of 
        America; and
            (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
        transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
                    (A) the family of Reverend Richard Smallwood;
                    (B) Howard University; and
                    (C) the Metropolitan Baptist Church of the District 
                of Columbia.
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