Richard Smallwood is an American Gospel music artist born in Atlanta, Georgia who formed The Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 in Washington, DC.
World-class composer, pianist and arranger, Richard Smallwood has clearly and solidly changed the face of Gospel music. He can impeccably blend classical movements with Traditional Gospel, and arrive at a mix that is invariably Smallwood's alone. A diverse and innovative artist, Richard Smallwood has achieved many honors; Dove Awards, Stellar Awards and a Grammy also attest to his talents.
Richard graduated cum laude from renowned Howard University with degrees in both Vocal Performance and Piano, in addition to graduate work in the field of Ethnomusicology. His musical gifts were stirred up early in life. At age five, he was playing the piano by ear; at seven, began formal training; and at eleven, formed his first Gospel group. Richard Smallwood is attributed with many gospel "firsts." He was a member of the first Gospel group on Howard University's campus, The Celestials. They were also the first Gospel group to appear at Switzerland's Montreaux Jazz Festival. In addition, Richard was one of the founding members of Howard's first Gospel choir, and The Richard Smallwood Singers were the first black Gospel group to go to the Soviet Union.