Remembering Entertainer Richard Stoute: Founder of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest Passes Away at 77

Just a few hours after it was announced that the amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens would be named in his honour, veteran entertainer Richard Nathelbert Stoute passed away at home.

He was 77 years old and had been ailing, including a stint in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital not so long ago.

Stoute, a well-known singer in his own right, became a household name after he founded the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest back in 1977. Although it started with a mere five performers at the Holiday Inn (later Grand Barbados), it soon outgrew that venue.

In its heyday, thousands dressed in their Sunday best to watch shows at Yoruba Yard, Queen’s Park Steel Shed, Black Rock Cultural Centre, Solidarity House and the George Street Auditorium. Often, there was standing room only.

And it was with great pride that Stoute watched Barbados’ top entertainers emerge after performing on his stage. Among them were Edwin Yearwood, Terencia “TC” Coward, Alison Hinds, William “Classic” Waithe, Anderson “Young Blood” Armstrong, Adrian Clarke, Rupert “Rupee” Clarke, Kim Derrick, the late Lemuel Waithe and Margaret “Miss B” Bovell, the first female winner back in 1981.

In 2012, in an interview with The Nation, he made note of that point.

“It has been very developmental for me, because when I look across the sphere of entertainment over the past 36 years I would think that 99 per cent of the entertainment emerged through the Teen Talent Competition, not only in Barbados but on cruise liners.”

READ: New amphitheatre to be named after Richard Stoute

Stoute saw himself as a talent scout and humanitarian, trying to secure jobs in the entertainment industry for the young performers. He was very successful in the early days, with many of them getting on the hotel circuit and a few performed on cruise liners.

The 47th edition of the show was held this year and although Stoute was ailing at the time, manager/co-producer Rashida Codrington, ensured it came off without a hitch. A Capricon Affair, held annually in January to mark his birthday, was also another popular event.

The father of four was born in New Orleans, St Michael, but had his roots firmly planted in nearby Black Rock. He played cricket for Carlton Club and table tennis for Rangers.

Stoute was a member of the Opels and has been honoured both at home and abroad. In 1993, he was awarded the Barbados Service Star and the Gold Crown of Merit “for his outstanding contribution to the development of the entertainment industry”, followed in 2008.

As news of his passing spread, many people began sharing tributes on social media. (SAT)