Posted: 09/21/2011
"United for his Glory Concert, starring Richard Smallwood and Friends"
November 5, 2011 at 7pm at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena
Richard Smallwood is a legend in his own time, after four 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." The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and pianist, who continues to enjoy widespread popularity and influence, will perform on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena.
Smallwood’s songs have been recorded by Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Price, Gerald Levert, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard, and a who’s who of the gospel world. Even the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has recently recorded a Richard Smallwood tune, "Faithful," on her latest CD.
Smallwood will be joined by a select group of local performers to include Jamar Herron, Nucci Reyo, Paula Brion, and The Greater Shiloh Church Choir for this cross-over show.
In a joint statement from Joanne Fuller of 4 his Glory Ministries and 3*20 Entertainment President Guy Tolve they said
"Our intention for this concert is to bring together people from all walks of life from all genres of the positive listening and gospel worlds as well as all kinds of people from the community."
Bus trips from NY, NJ, DE, MD and DC as well as throughout the state of PA are being planned.
Nucci Reyo, Paula Brion, and The Greater Shiloh Church Choir for this cross-over show.
Tickets are on sale at the Stabler Box Office, by visiting www.lehightickets.com and by calling 1-866-734-6204. Ticket prices range from $21.50 - $25.50.
Recently, while standing before a recording studio full of hand-picked friends and music industry colleagues, gathered for an intimate live recording session of Smallwood’s new CD, PROMISES (Verity Gospel Music Group), he made a startling confession. "I had not written a song since my mom died in 2005," he told the stunned audience. "I thought the gift I had dried up. I would try to write and nothing would come. I’d sit at the piano, I’d pray and there was nothing."
"Then, in 2009, I was watching CNN and was overwhelmed by the negativity I saw," Smallwood recalls as his breakthrough. "I began to think that, regardless of what the media says, we as God’s children are heirs to the Kingdom. He has made us certain promises. He promised that He’d take care of us and that He’d provide for us. If God says it, that settles it. I wanted to write a complete project with songs that dealt with the promises found in His word so that I could encourage and remind us that God is still in control." As a result Mr. Smallwood released his latest album with Visions "Promises" in July.