Richard Smallwood (1948-2025) was a renowned gospel musician, classically-trained pianist and prolific composer. We met in 1997. This interview, which was recorded on August 16, 2011, and first posted to YouTube on August 27, 2011, covers his life, music, ministry and legacy.
The interview opens with Richard discussing the deep grief following the loss of his 90-year-old mother, reflecting on the life-altering impact of such loss and his slow grieving process.
Richard shares insights into his ministry beyond music, emphasizing service to others, and the importance of integrity, humility, and authenticity in both public and private life. Richard gives his perspective on the changing gospel music industry, noting its political nature and the pressures artists now face to compete with their own past work. He expresses gratitude for the deep connection between his music and his supporters, which he says sustains his creative spirit.
Richard discusses his friendships with gospel legends Walter Hawkins (1949-2010) and Edwin Hawkins (1943-2018), highlighting how those relationships and friendships shaped his ministry and musical style. He also speaks about supporting fellow gospel artists like Donald Lawrence and passing on a legacy of elegance and integrity to the next generation of gospel music artists.
Richard talks about how his songwriting was first influenced by classical music and Broadway, introduced to him by his mother, which shaped his approach to creating concept albums, based upon his love of theatrical musical presentations.
Richard shares candidly about his challenging upbringing, including poverty, abuse by his stepfather in his childhood, suffering from depression as an adult, and how faith and positive affirmations helped him overcome those hardships. He emphasizes the power of positive words and optimistic thinking in shaping one’s reality, underscoring the importance of trusting in God’s promises along the way.
Richard also reflects on the importance of cherishing spiritual friendships.
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