REMEMBERING RICHARD SMALLWOOD

On 2026-02-09, Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING RICHARD SMALLWOOD" in the Senate. It referenced legislation: S532.

REMEMBERING RICHARD SMALLWOOD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S532] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ REMEMBERING RICHARD SMALLWOOD Ms. ALSOBROOKS. Mr. President, Mr. Smallwood was once asked about the enduring impact of gospel music, and he said, ``It's something about the spirit of gospel music that unifies.'' Countless souls have been blessed by his decision to use his gifts in this way. Mr. Smallwood was a classically trained musician, an incredible singer, an amazing writer, and a brilliant composer. And in addition to his God-given gifts, he was a student of music. He was a perfectionist that cared about the details. But the art that Mr. Smallwood created has never been above our heads or too complex to understand. He had a special ability to touch hearts on the most basic level because it came from his own. He gave us pure, genuine worship. As much as his creativity stretched the bounds of gospel music, his worship never failed to connect with us because his music always remembered Who is the center of our joy. Mr. Smallwood's gift led him to perform before Presidents and dignitaries and filled concert halls around the globe. But it also touches people who feel forgotten in their most isolated moments. It has changed people who never had the opportunity to meet him. His music not only speaks to us, but also speaks for us. It expresses our emotion. It describes our feelings of gratitude. And it translates for us in those low points when words fail us, and all we can do is lift our hands in total praise. We may not be able to sing or play like him. We may not have his trained ear or his talented pen. But we share life's joys and challenges. And his consistent theme was, no matter if we are in our mountaintop experience or if we are in need of healing in the valley, to worship anyhow. So, for all the awards and honors that were given to Mr. Smallwood throughout his life, what endures is what he gave to us: the gift of timeless, unifying music; songs that people around the world can feel in any language; poetry that future generations will appreciate just as we have; melodies of healing and praise for every season of life. I ask that you join me, the residents of Maryland, and souls across the globe in honoring and celebrating the life of Richard Smallwood. ____________________