Gospel Music Hall Of Famer Richard Smallwood Performs at Democratic National Convention

Washington , D.C - The composer and original vocalist of Whitney Houston's “I Love the Lord” (from “The Preacher's Wife” soundtrack) and Destiny Child's “Gospel Medley” (featuring Smallwood's “Total Praise”) is in Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The legendary gospel performer and Washington , D.C. resident known for his church anthems “Total Praise” and “ Center of My Joy ” will perform at the DNC's first-ever interfaith gathering that kicks off the convention Sunday, August 24, 2008 @ 2 p.m. MT at the Wells Fargo Theater inside the Colorado Convention Center .

“Being a part of this historic convention has to be one of the greatest honors of my life,” says Smallwood. “When I think of the significance of Senator Obama's campaign, I think of the people who died, who were lynched, who were shot, who were attacked by dogs, so this day could happen. To have an African-American as the democratic nominee is something that I thought I would never see in my lifetime.”

Smallwood also performs on Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 7:00 a.m. at the Unity Prayer Breakfast ( Colorado Convention Center 's Korbell Ballroom). The event commemorates the 45th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's historic 1963 March on Washington . Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Rev. Joe Lowery, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Congressman John Lewis are confirmed speakers.

This election is personal for Smallwood, who is a governor with NARAS - the body that bestows Grammy Awards.  “The sagging economy brought on by the Bush administration has had an adverse effect on the gospel music industry,” he explains. “Families are struggling to pay mortgages, put food on their tables and to keep their heads above water as opposed to spending money on entertainment such as music. Travel and fuel expenses have become astronomical which has made it difficult for artists, choirs and groups to travel from point A to point B. Many times promoters don't even have the financial means to bring artists in to minister. Touring has become almost impossible because of the overwhelming expense. All of this has a negative effect not only on the artists but the record companies and entire industry as well.”