More than a D.J.
For over five decades, Robert Stewart was known in Louisiana media markets as Solomon Kincade, Brother Bob, and Truthtalker. During the heyday 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 shootout on North Boulevard and the murder of Leonard Brown and Denver Smith on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge.
Military Service
He liked to be called R.L. by friends and acquaintances. He had trouble reconciling that his first and middle name was 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, 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 that the military permanently ended up putting him in the artillery division.
This assignment cost him dearly. He was shipped to VietNam, where he sustained ear drum damage. An artillery cannon rolled on his foot at one time, causing damage and pain. Later in Viet Nam, he was exposed to agent orange, 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 nation’s history.
Thirsty for Learning
Robert L. Stewart was proud to graduate 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 received his approval. He was a gifted hair stylist specializing in the then-famous “Jerry Curl.” He opened a hair salon in Zachary called "The Country Shack," which was very popular.
He envisioned making things, so he went to carpentry classes. When home computers became famous, he studied to assemble and repair computers. Finally, he attended Christian Bible College and became an ordained minister of education.
Love of Music
Robert L. Stewart was the founder of the Baton Rouge Gospel Workshop, which brought local, regional, and national artists to the Capitol city stage for decades. 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 & Country formats on KKAY & KSMI radio stations. Finally, he became the Truthtalker on Mississippi public access television.
He was a 33rd-degree mason and served as Grand Chaplin. Robert L Stewart died at his home in Zachary on October 21, 2022. Services are set for Saturday, October 29th, 2022- at 10:00 am, Promised Land Baptist Church, 7234 Plank Rd. Baton Rouge, LA. 70811 Interment: Monday, October 31, 2022, Port Hudson National Cemetery: 20978 Port Hickey Rd, Zachary, LA 70791. Winnfield Funeral Home in charge 7221 Plank Rd. Zachary, LA. 70791
Port Hudson National Cemetery: 20978 Port Hickey Rd, Zachary, LA 70791. Winnfield Funeral Home in charge 7221 Plank Rd. Zachary, LA. 70791
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