“Total Praise”

Smallwood Book Reveals the Man Behind the Music

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.