The BET Awards' tribute segment, brought back so many fond memories. One in particular, was the studio session Richard arranged, in early 2023 (as the pandemic was waning), to record background vocals for Erica Campbell’s cover of “I Love The Lord”.
That song really is my favorite of his compositions. For me, Dottie Jones’ vocal lead is, and will always be, the blueprint. Her adlibs, in my mind, are lyrics to be sung, word for word. Back in 1982, that song was on repeat. It changed, encouraged, and healed me. Richard even let me sing it, in 1997, for a Verity Records live recording at the Apollo.
My Facebook Messenger inbox was running over with "inquiries" after the tribute. I’m not one for critiquing, bashing, or comparing singers, though, if that’s what people were asking. I hate that. It takes a lot to stand in front of human beings and perform. No one wants to be picked apart. Every voice and interpretation is worthy and unique, and I don't know any singer who doesn't appreciate that song, or share its sentiment.
I said Dottie's version is “the blueprint” for me-- not “the only voice I will tolerate”. If you know me, you know that I adore good, sincere, moving, un-fooled-around-with singing. I also loved and love all things Smallwood. In the spirit of the great philosopher, everyone's favorite monster, and beloved, perpetual toddler Elmo, “Just to be clear…I love everybody...Don’t make this a thing.”
These days, it’s still strange and surreal to see Richard’s image in a memorial tribute. It's slowly becoming easier, though, to watch and listen to things pertaining to him. Frankly, I don’t care WHO’S singing one, or ANY of his songs. I just rejoice that they continue to be raised, sung, taught, discussed, and played, on platforms national and local, and his contributions to American Music are acknowledged and celebrated, worldwide.
It occurred to me that people do have a way of abridging, downplaying, dismissing, embellishing, rewriting, and erasing history and history makers—whether deliberately, maliciously, nefariously, or out of ignorance—don’t they? They do have a way of making choices, that seem to deem certain people and things unnecessary, played out, insignificant, dispensable, or irrelevant, and replacing them with what they think is more relatable, popular, familiar, convenient, or palatable. They do have a way of forgetting, after a person has died. What can't be disputed or denied, however, is the impact of individuals' creativity and skill, and their documented bodies of work. Without shoulders to stand on--without the originators, innovators, educators, and creative forces in any field--what would we have to study, replicate, improve upon, or continue to teach, share, and celebrate? As a result of that tribute, someone watching and listening, young or old, learned about Richard Lee Smallwood. I think that's fantastic. Thank you, Erica and Leandria. It made me smile.
So, everybody, keep the tributes coming—grand or small. Every one that I hear about, reminds me of Richard’s humility and commitment to excellence. He was recently awarded a posthumous, Honorary Doctorate from our alma mater, Howard University. He repped HU enthusiastically, and I know he would have been proud, but he didn't sweat or clamor for accolades, titles, or awards. He cared about musical excellence, the importance of the Arts, encouraging the gifts of others, and sharing his love of God, and being a worthy representative of him.
Keep the tributes coming, and when someone, young or old, hears his name, and innocently asks, “Who's that?”, or thinks “I Love The Lord” (a beloved, Isaac Watts hymn, by the way), is a Whitney song, don’t be shocked, or offended. Remember, everyone isn't a church kid, Gospel music aficionado, or choir buff. Just take a minute to educate them. THE Whitney Elizabeth Houston told Richard, herself, that his arrangement was her favorite gospel song since childhood, and she wanted it featured in “The Preacher’s Wife” film. However, Union Temple’s Young Adult Choir had been singing it from their choir loft, in Southeast, DC, even before The Smallwood Singers recorded it, and long before that beloved Christmas movie premiered.
What did I think, you ask? I thought it was lovely, although, I admit, I may have been a little misty.
I really miss that Pianoman.
#ILoveTheLord
#RichardSmallwood
#BETAwards
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