A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a world-class composer, pianist, and arranger.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 584
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S263; text: CR S260)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T16:13:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 584) honors the life, musical achievements, and spiritual legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a renowned gospel composer, pianist, and arranger, following his passing. It recognizes his contributions to American music, education, and faith-based communities.
Key Provisions
- Background and Achievements: The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining Reverend Smallwood's life:
- Born in 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia; showed early musical talent, starting piano at age 5 and forming a choir at age 11.
- Graduated cum laude from Howard University with degrees in classical vocal performance and piano; co-founded the university's first gospel choir.
- Taught music at institutions like the University of Maryland and D.C. Public Schools.
- Released albums starting in 1974, formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977, and achieved chart success, including a Grammy nomination for the 1984 album Psalms.
- Known for signature songs like Total Praise (from 1996's Adoration: Live in Atlanta) and I Love the Lord (featured in the 1996 film The Preacher's Wife with Whitney Houston).
- Songs performed by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Destiny's Child; received 8 Grammy nominations, 3 Dove Awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Ordained as a minister in 2004 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.; earned a Master of Divinity from Howard University; served as artist-in-residence.
- Performed for U.S. Presidents Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton; released autobiography Total Praise in 2019; celebrated 75th birthday with National Symphony Orchestra events in 2024.
- Emphasizes his music's themes of hope, healing, and faith, blending gospel with classical elements.
- Resolution Actions:
- The Senate mourns his passing.
- Honors his contributions to the United States.
- Requests the Secretary of the Senate to send an enrolled copy to his family, Howard University, and Metropolitan Baptist Church.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal; involves a procedural request to the Senate Secretary for document transmission, with no budgetary or operational effects.
- On Citizens: Symbolic recognition that may inspire cultural and religious communities, particularly in gospel music and Black spiritual traditions, by highlighting themes of resilience and faith. No direct effects on rights, services, or daily life.
- On International Relations: None; focuses on domestic cultural contributions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family of Reverend Smallwood: Direct recipients of the resolution, providing official acknowledgment of his legacy.
- Howard University: Recognized for his educational background and contributions, potentially enhancing its cultural prestige.
- Metropolitan Baptist Church: Honored for his ministerial role, reinforcing its role in faith and music communities.
- Broader Groups: Gospel music artists, performers (e.g., those who recorded his works), and faith-based audiences, who benefit from the elevation of his influence.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None; as a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it requires no presidential approval and has no enforceable effect, aligning with Congress's ceremonial powers under the Constitution.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Sen. Warnock and cosponsor Sen. Scott of South Carolina) demonstrates cross-party unity in celebrating cultural and religious figures. It underscores the Senate's role in recognizing non-partisan contributions to American arts and spirituality, potentially fostering goodwill in diverse communities without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S263; text: CR S260)
- 2026-01-15: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood, a world-class composer, pianist, and arranger. — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)