Bernadette Laughlin is the second child of Ken and Monica Laughlin, born into a legacy of music and spirituality. Her parents did not hesitate in passing the strong spiritual values they possessed on to their four children.
From as early as four years old, Bernadette would attend Sunday Mass with her family at the Rosary Church in Port of Spain.
A very persistent young Bernadette would coax her parents into lifting her onto the stool of the old wooden church piano, at the back of the church, so that she should pound away at the yellowed keys.
It seemed that the musical talent, with which her mother's side of the family is so well endowed naturally, did not pass her by. At seven years old, Bernadette was off to her first formal piano lesson with Miss de Gannes.
Even as a child, she would say that music and Jesus were her "Favourite Things". That's why it came as no surprise when as a student of Holy Name Convent, Bernadette began singing in school operettas and at school functions. She progressed so well that at 15, she had the honour of conducting her school choir at a major school function.
Bernadette continued participating in the Music Festival even after leaving her alma mater. She won many championships, including the Leider, which she has won on three occasions.
The 1974 Music Festival changed her life, as after winning the May Johnstone Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding performer, she was advised by the adjudicators to go abroad for formal vocal training. Unfortunately, her parents were unable to make that financial sacrifice. But Bernadette remained undaunted. She decided to improve her vocal ability herself; with the help of famous classical singers on records.
Armed with the generosity of her parents, Bernadette naturally shared her talent with others, training many others for the Music Festival. One such person was Yvonne Bennet, a blind girl she met through her friend, pianist, Maurice Connor.
Bernadette Laughlin performed in the first full-length opera in Trinidad and Tobago. She made her presence felt in several other shows after that, including her two performances as a guest soloist with the Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, which she maintains was the highlight of her solo career.
The Love Movement was formed by Bernadette in 1972, when she and seven girls from the Assumption R.C. Church choir, performed at the Trinidad Country Club's annual Christmas Concert and brought the house down with their harmonious delivery and fresh choreography.
One year later, the Love Movement, now with a membership of 15, produced their first full-length production, called, Love Must Be The Reason.
As time progressed, Bernadette felt more and more that the Love Movement was not doing enough to make a real difference. She wanted the group to "touch people's hearts and feed the hunger in their souls."
In 1996, after witnessing an unforgettable performance from the Continental Singers, Bernadette knew what the Love Movement had to become. The group had to begin combining upbeat, contemporary Christian music with dramatic moves and interpretation. This transformation would allow Bernadette to realize her long time dream…to use her musical talent and that of the other members of the group, to reach out to audiences by giving them the message of God's love and grace.
Because of two traumatic events, which took a toll on both her performing and personal life, Bernadette found herself becoming both physically and emotionally drained. This continued for some time and eventually, the worst happened. She lost the gift of her beautiful voice.
She has only been able to sing very low notes since that time, and her doctor constantly encourages her to rest and take tings easy, but to no avail.
Bernadette has suffered tremendous emotional pain from the loss of her voice. But as usual, she has risen to the challenge; above the despair and pain. She knows full well that she has al lot to be thankful for.
She jokes that even if she wanted to take a rest, she would be unable to; since she plays multiple roles. Single mother, Producer, Musical Director, Spiritual Director, Artistic Director, Chief Fund-Raiser and even Public Relations Officer. No rest, maybe. But she loves every minute of it.
Over the years, the Love Movement has continued to grow and the original aim, while ever shifting, has expanded. The group has put on various concerts, made several recordings and music videos, including 'People of La Trinity' and 'Christmas in Our Twin Island'. In 1992, Bernadette formed the Youth Outreach Programme, so that the young people of Trinidad and Tobago would have an environment in which they could express themselves through music, song and dance, while at the same time, benefiting from advice from senior members a other role models and nurturing their spiritual growth.
Even the little ones were not left out, as "Auntie Bernadette", as she is affectionately known to them, started the Lights of Love Choir especially for them.
She was a teacher at the St. Bernadette's Preparatory School in St. Ann's up until June of 1995, so it was obvious that she had a soft spot when it came to children. At present, the youngsters are working just as hard as the Senior and Youth groups and will certainly charm audiences at this month's concert with their production of 'Santa Bowed at Christmas'.
'Amazing Love', the Love Movement's upcoming concert, will be a celebration of twenty-five years in the life of a legendary group and the dedicated, spirited woman behind it. Bernadette Laughlin Scott and the Love Movement have both evolved through the years and will always leave their unmistakable mark on those they touch, with their unique singing style and their profound spiritual touch.