2Richard 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 Praise: 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.