Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dead at 77

Smallwood passed away Tuesday in Maryland due to complications from kidney failure, after years of health challenges. Dedication to music kept him going, with songs recorded by Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams and Destiny’s Child among others. He began playing piano at age 5 and formed his first gospel group by 11. One of his biggest hits was the song “Total Praise.” nominated eight times for Grammy Awards, and 19 Dove Awards, receiving the latter 4 times during his career, including his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.