ICYMI: Warnock Memorializes Gospel Music Legend Richard Smallwood with Resolution and Choir Celebration on Capitol Steps

Last week, Senator Warnock honored the late gospel music icon Reverend Richard Smallwood steps away from the United States Capitol

Warnock joined the choirs of Howard University and Metropolitan Baptist Church in singing one of Smallwood's most famous songs, "Total Praise"

The Senator also introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of Smallwood

ICYMI from Complex: Reverend Raphael Warnock Joins HBCU Choirs to Honor Richard Smallwood With 'Total Praise'

Above: Senator Warnock and the choirs

Washington, D.C. - Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) commemorated the life and legacy of the late Reverend Richard Smallwood. Senators Warnock and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring Smallwood. Following the introduction of the resolution, Senator Warnock joined the Howard University and Metropolitan Baptist Church choirs in singing one of Smallwood's most popular songs, "Total Praise".

Smallwood was born in 1948 in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., he learned piano by ear as a child, studied at Howard University, and later founded the Richard Smallwood Singers (1977). Smallwood was a respected figure in the faith community. He earned multiple honors during a career that included eight Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He is widely credited with helping bridge traditional church music, classical influences, and contemporary R&B textures, crafting arrangements that choirs and soloists still sing today.

See the Resolution text honoring Smallwood HERE.

More coverage of Senator Reverend Warnock's commemoration of Reverend Smallwood below:

• Blavity: U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock led a public ceremony on Capitol Hill to honor iconic gospel singer Richard Smallwood, who died in late December. Warnock honored the legendary artist as he stood alongside Senator Tim Scott, the Howard University Gospel Choir, and the Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir, Complex reported.

• Clutch Points: Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock led a moving and spirit-filled ceremony honoring the life and legacy of legendary gospel composer Richard Smallwood, uniting faith, music, and cultural remembrance on Capitol Hill.

• The Grio: That legacy echoed through Capitol Hill on Wednesday (Jan. 14), when U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock honored gospel icon Richard Smallwood in a public ceremony that blended faith, music, and history.

• Complex: U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock paid tribute to gospel icon Richard Smallwood with a public ceremony that blended faith, music, and history on Capitol Hill.

• AJC: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., joined the choir members from Howard University and Metropolitan Baptist Church to sing "Total Praise," written by the late gospel artist Richard Smallwood, outside of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Smallwood, who was born in Atlanta, died Dec. 30.

• Roll Call: Sen. Raphael Warnock, center, joins gospel choirs from Howard University and the Metropolitan Baptist Church in singing gospel musician Rev. Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" outside the Capitol on Wednesday. The Senate on Thursday approved a resolution by the Georgia Democrat honoring Smallwood, who died on Dec. 30, 2025.

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