Music has always been a major part of Gerard Placide's life. The son of talented singers–his father was a lead vocalist in the T&T Police Choir and his mother encouraged him to sing from an early age–it was only natural that music has helped frame his life, lifting him out of the bad times and leading him to success on stage and in the military.
Originally from south Trinidad, Gerard now divides his time between the land of his birth and the United States where he served in the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division.
His most recent homecoming was highlighted by a concert, His-Story, staged at the auditorium of Presentation College, San Fernando, with a supporting cast of family and many of the people who helped shape his vocal talents.
The event drew a sell-out crowd and was under the patronage of San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein, with several dignitaries in attendance, including Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee and former Culture minister Joan Yuille-Williams.
This was not just a display of musical talents. Gerard, who is candid about struggles he has faced in his life, including homelessness, suicidal tendencies and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), used the event to thank the many people who have helped him along the way. It was also his testimony about making it through the dark days, surviving the many rejections and achieving success.
In recounting the bad times, he admits: "In those days I knew about Jesus but I didn't know Him."
Now a celebrated gospel artiste, Gerard willingly speaks about the pitfalls, including a broken marriage and a recent heart wrenching personal loss and how he put it all behind him. He now uses his time and his music to inspire and encourage others, and taking full advantage of his dual citizenship, now actively campaigns for immigration rights and reforms.
Gerard's musical star began to rise after he migrated to the US in 1997. He began singing on the New York subway and caught the attention of social activist Rev Al Sharpton who invited him sing at the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
He entered the McDonald's Gospel Fest in 2001. One of the contestants, noting his Trinidadian accent and shabby clothes, tried to discourage him. Gerard silenced her and his other critics by winning the McDonald's Gospel Soloist Award. He won again the following year and became the first non-American to hold the title for two consecutive years.
The events of 9/11 led to another transformative experience for Gerard, who joined the US Army following the terrorist attacks.
He said: "I wanted to give something back to this country that had given me so much."
He received a proclamation from the United States Army in 2010 for his service and has had the privilege of singing for many dignitaries around the world including Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, President of the UN 57th General Assembly Julien Hunte, Senator John McCain, former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, and current President Barack Obama.
Gerard has shared the stage with gospel greats such as Grammy Awards nominee Vickie Winans, Grammy Award winners Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker and Dove Award recipients Alvin Slaughter and Norman Hutchins.
Among his prized possessions is the proclamation he received in June 2009 from US House of Representative Congressman Hank Johnson for his work in pushing cross-cultural integration between Caribbean and American nationals. He was presented with the award at the Annual Caribbean American Gospel Concert Series which celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Gerard, who left the US Army last year, is now dividing his time between T&T and the US, focusing on recording new music and keeping up with his social activism.
His recent concert, with many standing ovation performances, include solos by Placide's sister, Alicia Placide-Goberdhan and younger brother, Rene Placide, a police officer.
One of the emotional high points was a surprise appearance by Rev Peter Regis, who joined Gerard and his brother in a moment that drew a loud response from the crowd. Gerard was unable to hold back the tears of joy as he hugged the popular pastor, taking a few moments compose himself before he resumed singing.
Later, reflecting on his life, Gerard said: "There were a lot of people who turned their backs on me and are waiting for me to fail but there were just as many who have supported and encouraged me along the way.
"I should have failed, but a lot of people made sure that I didn't."