Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

The bubbly Dwight Richards. - Contributed

He has come a long way from Somerset, Manchester, to concert stages all over the world via Alpha Boys' School, but Dwight Richards is really a graduate of the school of hard knocks. Still, he greets life daily with a smile, embraces new challenges with zeal, and never forgets that he wore his first pair of shoes at 16 years old.

In an interview with The Sunday Gleaner, Richards spoke candidly about family, the music business and his determination to succeed. Besides his mother, the biggest motivators in the superb trumpet player's life are his faith in God, church family and Jimmy Cliff, with whom he has worked for years and is striving to emulate.

"I learned a lot from Errol Lee of The Bare Essentials in the early stages of my career, as well as from Sonny Bradshaw, but Cliff is an inspiration and a living legend, and I can take a leaf from his book to guide me every day," Richards said, as he took a break from preparation for today's concert held annually to celebrate his February 11 birthday. It will take place today at the Stella Maris Church grounds, Shortwood Road, St Andrew, at 6:00 p.m.

Richards does not dwell on disappointments; he takes his knocks and moves on. For him, the biggest surprise in his 35 years has been himself, because "God has a plan for me. I never expected to get this far".

Singing came naturally

Although singing came naturally, Richards chose the trumpet because he stutters. "I sing for the joy of it, but I had a great teacher at Alpha, and soon the training I received there led to the Tastee Talent Contest that I won the year I entered," he said. It is no wonder that Tastee is a major sponsor and Richards is loyal to them, assisting with judging the contests these days.

As is the case for for most established musicians, Richards had a rough start. He chronicles the miles on foot between Cross Roads and Patrick City after shows that ended way past midnight. And often, he worked without pay. Back then, living with an older sibling did not make things easy either. She took up where his dad left off and beatings continued for his smallest transgression. But in typical Dwight Richards fashion he holds neither malice nor grudge against anyone. Instead, he regards those experiences as character building blocks.

"I don't hate my father (now deceased). If it were not for him, I would not be here," Richards says with a smile. "There was a time back then when I gave up on the music and worked at Hi-Lo supermarket packing bags for two years. I also washed cars to survive," he disclosed. But a friend influenced him to utilise his talent again.

"My big break came with Chakka Demus in 1995. It led to a world tour and my first real pay," he said. The gigs came in steadily after that and Richards worked with many established musicians and performers, including Spanner Banner, Shabba Ranks, Dean Fraser, The Bare Essentials and Bounty Killer. He has also provided back-up vocals and music on several albums.

"I linked up with Jimmy Cliff after he heard me play and sing. I was interviewed and he said I sounded good. I have been all over the world with him. We are set to tour again in April and June," Richards said.

Business started off well

Along the way, Richards gauged the audience reaction he received each time he opened a show and began to think about going on his own. "I printed business cards in 1996 and got many jobs for weddings, funerals and concerts through the Church," he said. "I play for the Church every chance I get; it is deserving of my time, talent and treasure."

Richards also gives back to the wider community through a prison ministry at Fort Augusta, where he conducts praise and worship with inmates weekly when he is in the island.

Back home in Manchester, Dwight Richards' mother continues to be his inspiration and constantly prays for him . As he progressed, he also demonstrated his gratitude to her. "I searched for her birth certificate, got her a visa and she was able to travel overseas. But what I am proudest of is that I was able to build her a house. I love my mother and she must not want for anything," he said.

After today's concert, Dwight Richards will continue work on his third CD. "It is an expensive process. So far, I have laid three rhythms, but I am going to do it on my own. I know the music is in me; people cry when I sing," he said as, coaxed to do a stanza of any track, he croons a bit of Peaceful Train.

Today's 'Musical Enchantment' show will feature A.J. Brown, Ernie Smith, Etana, Karen Smith, Charmaine Lemonius, Everton Pessoa, Duane Stephenson and Maria Myrie. Part proceeds will go to the prison ministry, the Church and school projects.

The 35-year-old husband and father encourages young people to follow their dreams and stay focused. "I have never been tempted to do drugs or gamble. I am hungry for life and too afraid to spend what I don't have, " he said.