Gospel Music Icon Richard Smallwood Remembered

Editor’s Note: Richard Smallwood, (1948-2025) is being remembered by musicians and mourners alike Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, International in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Smallwood’s classically influenced gospel standards such as “Center of My Joy,” “I Love the Lord” and “Healing,” live on in the repertoire of the Black church. His closely personal, spiritual anthem “Total Praise” is just one of more than 125 recorded songs from more than 16 albums.  Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar Awards, recognized his glorious and soaring scores, but this intensely intimate praise will continue to inspire and transform in the hands of those he mentored.

Jason Max Ferdinand, Conductor

I count myself profoundly blessed to have served on the musical staff of Metropolitan Baptist Church, then located at 12th and R Streets in the nation’s capital. The Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks Jr.—one of the most celebrated preachers of our time—was our pastor, and the incomparable Rev. Nolan Williams served as Minister of Music. My years there were an extraordinary school of learning in music ministry, a season of growth and refinement that was truly unparalleled.

Each December, Metropolitan would present the gospel version of Handel’s Messiah, followed the very next week by the original Messiah. Distinguished conductors from across the country—and from around the world—were invited to lead these sacred offerings. In 2006, Nolan entrusted me with the honor of conducting the presentation. A few days later, I received a message that I will cherish forever:

“Young man, I was not able to be there in person, but I want you to know that I saw the recording. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and you, my friend, are a conductor for real.”

Those words came from Richard Smallwood.

Richard soon became a dear mentor and friend. He was witty, deeply inspiring, and utterly genuine—you always felt his heart. He spoke candidly about life’s challenges, about the long and often difficult road of gospel music finding acceptance in academic spaces, and he never failed to encourage the next generation. As a young musician, I studied his compositions and marveled at his piano solos on recordings. What many may not realize is that this was how he played during worship—every single time. When Richard arrived for service, the rest of us on staff would smile and say, “Alright everyone, class is in session.”

Richard was a master of service music. One need only visit YouTube to witness how, with nothing more than his hands on the keys, he could shift the entire atmosphere of a worship service. It was nothing short of miraculous—holy, even. To experience it in person was surreal.

The photo here was taken at Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Aeolians were on tour, and I had mentioned the program to him. Given his demanding schedule, I truly did not expect him to attend. He said he would try, as he was between trips. And yet, when I walked out to begin the program, there he was—front and center. Richard also came to Oakwood to be part of the Aeolian Alumni Weekend concert during my time there, another gift I will forever treasure.

I will miss him more than words can fully express. My heart had already begun to ache when he could no longer respond to texts or calls. Even knowing this day was coming did not make it any easier. The loss still feels heavy, still feels unreal.

Dear Rich—as I always called him—I am clearing my schedule so that I can honor you properly, front and center, just as you so often showed up for me. “’Twill be sweet when we meet over on the other side.”
With tears and with gratitude,
Your mentee,
Jason Max Ferdinand

 

 

Anika Anderson, Soprano

I remember hearing Richard Smallwood’s music as a little girl at the home of our family friends on a Sabbath afternoon. It was such a new sound it stuck with me.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to have many encounters with Richard Smallwood and his singers. In elementary school I sang in a group called Promises and we were invited to sing on a program honoring him at Bibleway [Church]. He and his mother were present.

My parents sang back up on a local cable show hosted by Wintley Phipps called Heartsongs and [Smallwood] was a special guest artist, and I was able to

meet him as a pre-teen. I sang under his direction as an Oakwood Aeolian (and yes, they let us have drums for that concert at the church back then), I was asked by Darin Atwater to sing the solo to “We Worship You” with Soulful Symphony at the Meyerhoff in Baltimore, originally recorded by one of my greatest soprano influences, Janice Chandler Etème, on “The Journey”Live in New York” album and that invitation which led to many more.

Richard Smallwood was always gracious and encouraging. His musical influence has touched so many and I’m grateful to have the privilege of being in such close proximity so many times.