[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.

                          ____________________