Total Praise: The Autobiography

by Richard Smallwood

Richard Smallwood is a legend in his own time. After over three 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, Stellar and Dove Award winner songwriter and musician continues to enjoy worldwide popularity and influence. With Smallwood’s vast accomplishments, it would be easy to rest on his laurels, but that’s not his style. Born in Atlanta Georgia and raised in Washington DC, he has been driven since childhood. His stepfather, CL Smallwood, founding pastor of DC’s historic Union Temple Baptist Church and other churches all over the country was a tough taskmaster, and his mother Mabel encouraged his early love of music. He began to play by ear at the age of five. By seven, he was taking formal lessons and by eleven had formed his own gospel group made up of neighborhood children. Total the Autobiography of Richard Smallwood not only chronicles his life as a musician and skillful writer, but it also tells the story of loss, love, grief, mental illness, and victory. Once you begin this book, you won't be able to put it down. Indeed, the gift of Richard Smallwood is that his entire life, embodies one of Total Praise.

539 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2019

Reviews

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard shared EVERYTHING in this book. It was very insightful and transparent with the events surrounding his career. It was very easy to read and definitely takes you on emotional roller-coaster.

[Lyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is truly AMAZING! Won't He do it!

Thank you Richard for being your authentic self and sharing integral parts of your journey with us. One theme that resonated with me throughout your story is we are definitely spiritual beings doing our best to live this human experience! Our stories are so similar is uncanny! I am Grateful to God for using you in such a mighty way! Total Praise is one of my all time favorite songs. Thank you for talking about mental health issues and letting the world know that depression is very real and can be managed with professional help. It's also something to not be ashamed of. Thank you for sharing that part of your life. You are truly BLESSED to be a BLESSING! - Lisa Saunders

[Sheila Davis Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book

What a true blessing to take a glimpse of Richard Smallwood. I always wonder what it takes to write such anointed music. It took me a little time to get through this book. Some parts I had to Selah. As a Worship leader, this book was so worth taking my time. The sensitivity of a musician is real. I remember attending a Hampton Ministers Conference and I was able to attend a session led by God's servant, Richard Smallwood. that experience was life changing. So I had to read This book. This book is a good read it helped me sort out some issues.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Total Praise”! Between the tears, laughter and all the mini concerts I had to pause and have I finally finished. This was an excellent read, (even though it took me much longer than normal to finish)! I have been a fan from the beginning and now I feel like family. Richard poured his entire life into this book, with no filters. I was truly blessed.

Thank you, Richard, for opening up your life...you are truly inspirational.

[Evelyn Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Were there no editors available?

I only read this because it was a book club selection. It is one of the worst autobiographies I have ever read. There is so much minutiae, I kept wondering if he even had an editor. The book went on for over 500 pages and could have easily been told in 300. While there were some interesting details; overall, it was a struggle to read.

[TerrellAndrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read!!!

I am overwhelmed in the transparency from Richard Smallwood telling his life story and the truths he had been through all these years. It truly blessed my soul. A true music legend!

[Joyce E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I was impressed with his honesty and faith. His gift was from God and he used it to glorify Him. I was touch by the rawness of his life.

[Lydia Pettus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read

This was inspiring as well as eye opening! Loved Richard’s transparency . Grateful that he share life experiences through his journey.