THE CELEBRITY SERIES-Richard Smallwood

Richard Smallwood is a legend in his own time. After four decades as one of the most popular inspirational artists in the music business, with classic tunes such as “Total Praise;” “Center of My Joy;” and “I Love the Lord” to his credit, the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and pianist continues to enjoy widespread popularity and influence. His songs have been recorded by Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Price, Gerald Levert, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard, and a who’s who of the gospel world. Even the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has recently recorded a Richard Smallwood tune, “Faithful,” on her latest CD.

Recently, while standing before a recording studio full of hand-picked friends and music industry colleagues, gathered for an intimate live recording session of Smallwood’s new CD, PROMISES (Verity Gospel Music Group), he made a startling confession. “I had not written a song since my mom died in 2005,” he told the stunned audience. “I thought the gift I had dried up. I would try to write and nothing would come. I’d sit at the piano, I’d pray and there was nothing.”