Richard Smallwood

Smallwood Book Reveals the Man Behind the Music

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorJuly 7, 2021

Legendary songwriter discusses his fascinating career and struggles with depression in new book When the name Richard Smallwood is mentioned, some of his most famous songs come to mind. Compositions such as “I Shall Wear A Crown,” “Center of My Joy,” “Holy, Holy” and “I Love the Lord” elicits tears and shouts whenever they are heard. The top names in the music industry have recorded his works ranging from Yolanda Adams to Karen Clark Sheard to Whitney Houston to Aretha Franklin. Other artists singing his songs include Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Reuben Stoddard and the father of contemporary gospel, Edwin Hawkins.

Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation Gives Soulful Tribute to Aretha Franklin

Sentinel News ServiceSeptember 20, 2018

The Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation’s (GMHMF) 10th Evolution of Gospel presented an exhilarating, spirit-filled tribute to the life and legacy of the late great Aretha Franklin on a stage where she once performed; the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The evening featured soul-stirring musical performances from some of gospel’s leading artists and a litany of powerful narratives that paid homage to her expansive body of music and contribution to the civil rights movement.

Religion

Gospel Legend Edwin Hawkins Passes Away

Sentinel News ServiceJanuary 17, 2018

Edwin Hawkins at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Jan. 2015. (L.A. Sentinel File Photo) Edwin Hawkins, the four-time Grammy® Award-winning leader of The Edwin Hawkins Singers’ 1969 million-seller, “Oh Happy Day,” died January 15 at his home in the Bay area after a bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 74 years old. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Edwin Hawkins –– a celebrated artist, innovator, and music icon. Though he will be greatly missed the world over, the message of love, life, and encouragement that he incorporated into his music gives

Religion

Richard Smallwood Headlines Trinity’s 100th Anniversary Concert

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion Editor and Marjorie C. Laws, Contributing WriterMarch 29, 2017

Pastor Alvin Tunstill, Jr., and the members of Trinity Baptist Church continue their 100th anniversary celebration with gospel legend Richard Smallwood in a concert on Sunday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary located at 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., in Los Angeles. The concert will also feature the Trinity Baptist Church Mass Choir directed by Roland Hamilton and the Gospel Music Workshop of America Contemporary Adult Choir under the direction of Tony Jones. KJLH broadcaster Aundrae Russell will serve as emcee. The VIP ticket donation is $45 and general admission donation is $35. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com and

Religion

Trinity Baptist Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion Editor and Marjorie C. Laws, Contributing WriterFebruary 22, 2017

Multiple events are planned this year as Trinity Baptist Church observes a century of Christian and community service in the city of Los Angeles. A Sunday School group of 15 children and 3 adults founded the ministry on November 11, 1917. Upcoming activities will highlight the anniversary theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Walking by Faith, Cherishing our Past, Celebrating our Present, Constructing our Future. For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) But without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:1).” “It is with immense joy that the entire Trinity Baptist Church family commemorate this