Gerard Placide is a native of Trinidad and Tobago who has travelled a miraculous road from homelessness in his native country to having the privilege of singing for such luminaries as the Queen of England in London (through Chances for Children under the patronage of the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson); Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; President Barack Obama; the President of the U.N. 57th. General Assembly, His Excellency Julian Robert Hunte; New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Senator John McCain; and former New York City Mayors Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.
Gerard also an Iraq-war veteran, having served as a Ranger in the United States Army 3rd Infantry Division at Ft. Stewart, GA.
In 2001, Gerard became the first Caribbean National to win the acclaim title of the McDonald’s Gospel Soloist Award. He again won the title in 2002 and 2003 becoming the first non-American to hold this title for three consecutive years in New York. Later that year, Gerard went on to release his first album (traditional gospel) at the historic Baptist Temple in Brooklyn, New York where his friend and brother in Christ, the godfather of gospel, the late Reverend Timothy Wright was the opening act.
In August 2004, Gerard represented Trinidad & Tobago in the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood, California, which was the first time Trinidad & Tobago was represented at this prestigious event. The event showcased premier talent from 41 countries world wide all vying for top awards in their distinctive categories. Gerard won all categories entered including Best Male Vocalist, world and contemporary for 2004.
After hosting the 2005 Caribbean American Gospel Showcase/Awards, Gerard was invited to share his expertise and appear as a judge to assist in the selection of the 2005 Grand Champion at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, California.
In 2010, Gerard received a proclamation from the United States Army for his service to the military, to God and to Country. Later that year he received his fifth proclamation from United States Congressman Hank Johnson for his work in the State of Georgia working collectively with the Congressman’s Office in pushing the affairs of Caribbean Immigrants for Health Care and Immigration Reform.