Detroit Honors Richard Smallwood With Two-Night Gospel Tribute
News related to:BMJ Productions LLC · 1 min read
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- BMJ Productions LLC and Empowerment Church are set to honor the legacy of Richard Smallwood, the renowned gospel music composer, with a two-night tribute concert in Detroit. The event, titled "Detroit Remembers: Richard Smallwood," will take place on October 9 and 10, 2026, at Empowerment Church in Southfield, Michigan.
Smallwood, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 77, left an indelible mark on the gospel music scene. His compositions, including "Total Praise," "Center of My Joy," and "I Love the Lord," have been performed by numerous artists, such as Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child, making his influence far-reaching. The concert will celebrate his five-decade career and the impact he had on the worship experience.
The tribute concert will feature a 50-member choir and a lineup of legendary Detroit artists and musicians, led by Bill Moss Jr., a visionary music director with deep roots in the city's gospel community. Other notable participants include Pam English, the vocal director and master clinician; Alvin Waddles, a principal and featured artist; Rev. Kimberly Whitsett, the artistic director; and Ernest Tolbert, the band director. Moss, the son of gospel great Bill Moss Sr. and part of the extended Clark Sisters family, brings a unique perspective to the production, blending his personal history with the broader context of Smallwood's legacy.
"Detroit is going to feel every note."
The event will offer tickets at $30 for advance purchases, $40 at the door, and $75 for VIP access. Tickets can be purchased through bmjproductionsll.com or empowermentmi.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in connecting with a highly engaged audience of faith leaders, music lovers, and community members across Southeast Michigan.
BMJ Productions LLC and Empowerment Church are committed to honoring Smallwood's contributions to gospel music and the broader community. The tribute concert promises to be a significant moment in the city's musical history, celebrating the life and work of a true icon.