Outspoken, controversial advocate and media personality Robert L. Stewart dead at 77
Outspoken, controversial advocate and media personality Robert L. Stewart dead at 77
For more than five decades Robert Stewart was known in Louisiana media markets as Solomon Kincade, Brother Bob, and Truthtalker.
By Stephanie Anthony. Contributing Writer
For more than five decades Robert Stewart was known in Louisiana media markets as Solomon Kincade, Brother Bob, and Truthtalker. During the hay day of Black radio one of the stars at New Orleans's historic WYLD was Robert Stewart. He was so popular, they centered an advertising campaign around him that included a billboard with his picture. Eventually, he came to the top Black radio station in the Capitol City market, WXOK. Realizing that the medium of radio was instantaneous, Stewart prided himself in bringing breaking news to the community before other media, including the Muslim shoot out on North Boulevard, and the murder of Leonard Brown and Denver Smith on the Southern University campus, in Baton Rouge.\
Stewart died at his home in Zachary on October 21, 2022.
MILITARY SERVICE
He liked to be called R.L. by friends and acquaintances. He had trouble reconciling that his first and middle names were the same as a Confederate general. He was not called for the military draft, and like most young men of the day in that situation, he considered himself lucky. Robert was happily working for a privately owned drafting company. However, his employer felt otherwise. After daily cajoling by his employer, they convinced young Robert to volunteer for the army. He enlisted and was overwhelmed by the number of job options. He changed his assignment so many times, the Army ended up putting him in the artillery division permanently.
This assignment cost him, dearly. He was deployed to Viet Nam where he sustained ear drum damage. At one time an artillery cannon rolled on his foot causing damage and pain. Later in Viet Nam, he was exposed to agent orange, from which he never fully recovered. He excelled to the rank of Sargent and was forever proud that he served bravely and with honor during one of the most troubling eras in the history of the nation.
THIRST FOR LEARNING
Stewart was very proud of graduating from Northwestern High School in Zachary. However, he was now armed with the G.I. Bill and was eager to explore educational opportunities. He enrolled in radio engineering and obtained his broadcasting license. Later he attended cosmetology school and obtained his license. He was a gifted hair stylist and specialized in the then-popular “Jerry curl” He envisioned making things so he went to carpentry classes. When home computers became popular, he studied to assemble and repair computers. Finally, he attended Christian Bible College and became an ordained minister of education. He was a 33rd-degree Mason and served as Grand Chaplin.
LOVE OF MUSIC
Robert L. Stewart was founder of the Baton Rouge Gospel Workshop which for decades brought local, regional, and national artists to the Capitol City stage. He formed the Gospel band, “Just Us Plain Folks,” which performed both original and cover songs. He hosted and co-produced Louisiana Talent Spotlight, a radio program in Urban and Country formats on KKAY and KSMI radio stations in Donaldsonville and White Castle. Finally, he became the Truthtalker on Mississippi public access television.
HOMEGOING
Funeral services are set for Saturday, October 29, 2022- 10:00am, Promised Land Baptist Church, 7234 Plank Rd. Baton Rouge. Interment: Monday, October 31, 2022. Port Hudson National Cemetery: 20978 Port Hickey Rd, Zachary. Winnfield Funeral Home is in charge.
