RICHARD SMALLWOOD’S BELOVED HIT “TOTAL PRAISE” MAKES AN IMPACT DURING WASHINGTON DC VISIT WITH POPE FRANCIS
DC choir St. Augustine Gospel Choir, delivers a performance of Smallwood’s “Total Praise” before Pope Francis at the White House
New York, NY – September 23, 2015 – “Total Praise,” the beloved hit song from legendary Gospel Hall of Fame singer, composer and arranger Richard Smallwood
– remains an enduring powerful source of strength and hope, as his hit
tune was selected by the St. Augustine Gospel Choir for a special
performance in Washington DC today, during the DC choir’s performance
before Pope Francis at the White House on Wednesday, September 23rd.
Almost 20 years since Smallwood released the song in 1996 with his
ensemble Vision, “Total Praise” continues to be one of the most popular
classics among choirs and fans from the prolific catalog of the longtime
DC native, giving praise and comfort to millions of listeners.
“I
was overjoyed to hear the news,” said Richard Smallwood. “This has to
go on the list of one of the top honors of my life. It’s amazing that
20 years after ‘Total Praise’ was written it is still sung all over the
world, in different languages, in secular arenas and now for the pope.”
In
June, Richard Smallwood released ANTHOLOGY LIVE, a brilliant collection
of 11 new songs and 3 medleys, with interludes that capture the
inspiration and journey of his 40 year career. Performed with his
longtime choir Vision, the new project celebrates the legendary
musician’s past and confirms his mainstay in gospel music.
Richard Smallwood with Vision “Anthology Live” Retail Links
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About 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, Aretha
Franklin, and a who’s who of the gospel world. Over his successful
career, Smallwood has received an abundance of awards and citations
including Stellar and Dove Awards and a Grammy Award for his production
on the Quincy Jones Gospel project, Handel’s Soulful Messiah.
Smallwood’s message and music has touched the lives of presidents and
dignitaries all over the globe. He’s performed at the Smithsonian
Institution, Kennedy Center, Constitution Hall, and the White House,
where he accompanied legendary opera singer Leontyne Price. Richard
Smallwood earned his Masters of Divinity at Howard University’s
prestigious School of Divinity in 2004, graduating with honors and
serves as a minister and Artist-in-Residence at his home church,
Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington.
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Contacts:
RCA Inspiration
Tricia N. Newell
W&W Public Relations
Aliya Crawford / Aliya@w-wpr.com
Tony Ferguson / Tony@w-wpr.com
