Just a few hours after it was announced that the amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens would be named in his honor, veteran entertainer Richard Nathelbert Stoute passed away at home. The 77-year-old had been ailing, including a recent stint in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Stoute, a well-known singer, gained fame after founding the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest in 1977. The competition quickly outgrew its initial venue, the Holiday Inn, and grew to showcase thousands of talented performers at various locations across Barbados. Stoute took great pride in watching the emerging talent from his stage, including the likes of Edwin Yearwood, Terencia TC Coward, Alison Hinds, William Classic Waithe, and many more.
In an interview with The Nation in 2012, Stoute expressed his satisfaction with the competition’s impact on the entertainment industry: 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 percent of the entertainment emerged through the Teen Talent Competition, not only in Barbados but on cruise liners.
Stoute saw himself not only as a talent scout but also as a humanitarian, working tirelessly to secure job opportunities in the entertainment industry for the young performers. Many of them found success in the hotel circuit and even performed on cruise liners.
Despite his ailing health, Stoute’s legacy lived on through the successful 47th edition of the show held this year, thanks to the efforts of manager/co-producer Rashida Codrington. Another popular event, A Capricon Affair, held annually in January to mark Stoute’s birthday, continued to captivate audiences.
Born in New Orleans, St. Michael, Stoute had deep roots in Black Rock. He was a member of the Opels and received numerous honors at home and abroad for his contribution to the entertainment industry. In 1993, he was awarded the Barbados Service Star, followed by the Gold Crown of Merit in 2008.
As news of Stoute’s passing spread, tributes poured in on social media, reflecting the impact he had on the lives of many. Richard Stoute leaves behind a rich legacy in Barbados and beyond, carving a path for aspiring entertainers and showcasing the vibrant talent within the nation.
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