Richard Smallwood, the legendary, Grammy-nominated gospel singer, songwriter, composer and pianist, has died at 77 years old.

Variety reported that a rep for Smallwood confirmed that he died of complications from kidney failure on Tuesday at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Maryland.

He also had “mild dementia and a variety of other health issues” that prevented him from recording new music, according to an obituary for Smallwood that was obtained by USA Today.

Smallwood’s family shared a statement via his official Instagram account: “We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood,” the post read. “The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world.”

Richard Smallwood was celebrated as a trailblazing artist in gospel music

Smallwood was born in 1948 in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., by his mother and stepfather. At just five years old, he started piano lessons and, by age 11, formed his own gospel group. Later on, Smallwood attended Howard University, where he earned a degree in music. He was also a member of the Celestials, Howard’s first gospel ensemble. From there, he launched his gospel music career, according to Variety.

In 1977, Smallwood founded the Richard Smallwood Singers, releasing the group’s debut album five years later in 1982. The project spent a whopping 87 weeks on the Billboard Spiritual Album Sales chart. According to Smallwood’s obituary, the band “created a distinct sound that caught on with middle class, mostly black Christian young adults.”

Throughout his music career, Smallwood earned eight Grammy nominations, three of which were for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. His most recent Grammy nod was in 2012 for his track “Trust Me,” which was nominated for Best Gospel Song. Smallwood was the recipient of several Stellar Awards and Dove Awards.

Richard Smallwood’s music was covered by Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child

By the early 1990s, the Richard Smallwood Singers disbanded, but Smallwood formed his backing choir Vision in 1995. Together, they released a string of beloved hits, including “Angels,” “Total Praise,” “Healing,” “Anthem of Praise” and “Thank You.”

Artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child have covered Smallwood’s music. Houston covered “I Love You Lord” for her 1996 film The Preacher’ Wife, while Destiny’s Child covered “Total Praise” as part of their “Gospel Medley” track from their platinum-selling Survivor album in 2001.

In 2019, Smallwood published his memoir titled, Total Praise: The Autobiography. He is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and godchildren.