Richard Smallwood Gospel Great Inducted Into Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame

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Music Association Hall Of Fame

Gospel Great Inducted Into Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame D.C's own Richard Smallwood has been dubbed a "musical genius". The producer, arranger, pianist, and composer has been responsible for some of the church's most moving anthems like "Center Of My Joy", "I Love The Lord" and "Total Praise". The multiple Stellar and Dove Award winner is also credited with bringing the sounds of classical music into the gospel music genre. Well, the Gospel Music Association recognized what the D.C. area has known for a long time and Smallwood was recently honored by the association which hands out the Dove Award. On November 14, 2006, at the Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tenn., Smallwood was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Along with Smallwood, The Hinsons, Doug Oldham and John T. Benson, III, were honored as well. During the ceremony, Smallwood was treated to a tribute from last year's GMA Inductee Walter Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Maurette Brown Clark and Ted Winn.  John W. Styll, President of the Gospel Music Association had this to say about the honorees: "Each new inductee to the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame represents a vital part of the history and legacy of gospel music. We honor them as a way to ensure their contributions are never forgotten and to remind us always of the rich heritage and beautiful diversity that is unique to gospel music." Photo 1: Richard Smallwood at the GMA Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony with Bill Gaither.   Photo 2: Inductee Doug Oldham (sitting), (standing L-R) GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Joe Moscheo, inductees Weston Hinson (son of Kenny Hinson, deceased), Ronny Hinson, Eric Hinson, Larry Hinson, Bo Hinson, Yvonne Hinson-Johnson, John T. Benson, III, Richard Smallwood, GMA President John W. Styll, and Ed Harper, chairman of the GMA Foundation Board. (Not pictured: Chris Hawkins Freeman, of The Hinsons) Photo 3: GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee Richard Smallwood is paid tribute in song by (L-R, left photo) Ted Winn, Maurette Brown-Clark, Walter Hawkins and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.  (Photos by Aaron Crisler)  (December 17, 2006, A. Renee Williams, writer)