Remembering Richard “Dick” Stoute: The Godfather of Barbadian Music

In a poignant turn of events, shortly after the announcement that the amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens would bear his name, the iconic Richard Stoute , the godfather of Barbadian entertainment, passed away at the age of 77. Stoute, a musical luminary with an illustrious career, was unable to attend the latest edition of the talent contest he founded, leaving fellow performers, proteges, friends, and fans in solemn vigil for the revered veteran entertainment giant.

Hailing from a family of musical talents, including his renowned sister Norma Stoute and older brother Mike Wilkinson, Stoute made a significant mark on Barbados’ musical landscape during the 60s and 70s. His captivating performances resonated with audiences at home, on the hotel circuit, and across the Caribbean, the United States, London, and Canada. As a founding member of the Opels, Stoute etched his name in Barbados’ musical history with the creation of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition, serving as the springboard for some of the island’s most prominent voices.

In tribute to Stoute’s legacy, Jamal Slocombe remarked, “Stoute’s legacy echoes not solely in his unmatched musical contributions but also in the enduring warmth of our friendship. His performance embodied unparalleled artistry and unwavering dedication to Barbados’ musical landscape.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, acknowledging Stoute’s unparalleled contributions, highlighted, “If the debt owed to him by those who have followed him into the entertainment industry over the past half-century is anything to go by, then there is no other entertainer to whom the country owes more than Richard Dick Stoute.”

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As the government announced the renaming of the amphitheatre in his honor, the Prime Minister emphasized that Stoute’s name, legacy, and indomitable spirit deserve immortalization, symbolizing the qualities inherent in the label “Bajan.” Stoute’s remarkable career garnered numerous awards and honors, including the Jackie Opel Award, Clement Payne Award, Barbados Silver Star, and the Gold Crown of Merit from the Government in 2009.

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