There is much more to Richard Stoute than just being a household name associated with a teen talent competition.

While this 64-year-old helped to develop the singing talent of young people over the years, he was also always on the lookout for his neighbours and anyone in need. In fact, Stoute said he was always looking for a way to make someone smile and be happy.

Born and raised in New Orleans, St Michael, Stoute started his singing career at about age 12 and was later motivated to help other potential singers through the introduction of a competition. Stoute said he was constantly praying and that was what kept him going.

“I think I get a spiritual motivation. I don’t do anything unless I ask God about it . . . He convinced me to start a programme for young people so I thought I would give the young people the opportunity to expose their talents and make names for themselves,” he said.

Stoute said he was always busy helping others and hardly ever had time for himself. The Black Rock resident said he saw himself as a “social worker”.

“Sometimes I would take a taxi or call a friend and we go and buy food for an elderly person and take it to them. I pay special attention to the young people in the Richard Stoute Teen Talent show. I do what I can to make them happy. I become more like a social worker along with my entertainment. I even help to get people accommodation. I give food to some vagrants. I always look for a way to make somebody smile and to make somebody happy,” said the father of four.

For 34 years, Stoute has helped young people to realise their singing talent, some of whom have made a career out of it. He said it was a wonderful feeling for him.

Good feeling

“Sometimes it is almost emotional for me when I turn the television on and see these young people . . . what they are doing now. It is a phenomenal feeling to know that I was a part of the start of their careers and I remember how each one of them came to me . . . the clothes they wore and how they spoke then. To see them now it is quite a feeling, one of achievement,” said Stoute.

Singing for more than 52 years, Stoute has been awarded by a number of agencies and organisations for his contribution to the music and singing industries. Some of his more than 150 awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award and Community Service Award.

Stoute also holds the third highest honour in Barbados, the Gold Crown Of Honour which was given to him two years ago.

“It is good to be acknowledged and people remember you for what you do. I don’t think I would ever stop. I don’t know how to stop being a good person. As long as the Lord gives me strength I will continue to do what I am doing,” Stoute said.

Although he does not attend church, Stoute remains spiritual and said he preferred to worship in the confines of his home.

He said about three years ago he had the choice of staying in England or moving back to Barbados and he chose to return home. One reason he said was because of the death of one of his sons.

“I went to England saying “goodbye Barbados” but the phone rang early one morning and I got the news that my son died of an asthma attack. So I had to come back. So I can’t help but feel that it was a very spiritual thing that happened. The Lord knew he wanted me to be here to continue the work that I was doing. Indeed I touch a life every day. Every day I do something for somebody. I think it is very spiritual that I conduct myself in such a way and bring brilliance to people’s lives. If they are happy I am happy,” said an emotional Stoute.

Stoute, who attended the St Mary’s Primary School and the then Richmond Secondary (now St Leonard’s), said his dream while growing up was to play cricket for the West Indies. And, at age 47, he did manage to play in a professional game.

Stoute, the sixth of 11 children, believes “life is a challenge but you just have to be able to deal with the ups and downs. No pain, no gain”.

He said he had to be on his Ps and Qs at all times because a lot of young people looked up to him. Stoute also believes that he holds the “highest degree” in the world.

“That is the degree of integrity, but I have to maintain it . . . I have to sit this exam of integrity on a daily basis because I have to deal with people and remember who I am, what my responsibility is and what I have to do to make sure I set very high standards and maintain them,” he said.

According to Stoute, people need to be more productive towards each other “and we will have a better Barbados”.

He promotes sharing at all levels and believes someone else’s problem is also his.

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