“People make babies to my music. That’s nice”
– Barry White
Methodology
Barry White was a very influential artist in his time and even after. Barry’s voice played a huge role in his success as well as his ability to make music about love. Barry had a voice that was very unique (bass tone). When Barry began to music the birth rate began to increase.Barry had many hits such with “Youre the First, The Last, My Everything.” Even years after Barry’s hits, his music is still lively and often played to this day. Barry is a very distinctive man in the music industry and his record has and will continue to succeed him.
Who is Barry White? : Artist History.
Barry Eugene Carter, otherwise known by his stage name “Barry White was a singer/ songwriter
who sang under the genres of R&B, Funk, Soul, and Disco. Barry was born on September 12, 1944, in Galveston Texas. Barry’s parents are Melvin A White and Sadie Marie Carter (they were not married). Barry had a brother (Darryl) who he was a year older than. Barry’s Influences growing up included James Cleveland, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye. White was infected at age 4 with his mother’s ability to play jazz music as well as classical music. Seeing his mother so passionate about music influenced him to learn how to play music. At age four he began to familiarize himself with piano, and that is where baby steps to his career are believed to have begun. Barry’s voice suddenly deepened at age 14 and the course of his life would be changed forever. Barry’s brother Darryl died in 1983 due to gang violence. As a child, Barry was involved in a gang and was arrested at age 16 for stealing. In jail, he often listened to music and vowed that he would go out and make music upon his release.
FUN FACT: Barry was known as the Walrus of Love. This was because of
Early Career
Once Barry left jail he immediately began his music career. and traveled to Los Angeles Barry performed as part of the Upfronts in the 1960’s and his first debut song was “Too Far To Run Around.” In the meantime White had released a few solo songs. White had a passion for music so he began to produce and write music for other artist. Although White was known for singing, he wanted to produce and write more than anything. White produced “Feel Aw Right” by Bel Canto is 1965. White was signed by Bob Keane as an A&R man and began producing and writing for numerous artist such as Viola Wills In the 1970’s White began to produce music and founded a girl group entitled “Love Unlimited.” He produced “Walking In the Rain of Love,”and that made him millions.
Middle Career/ Love Unlimited Orchestra
White intended to use his 40 piece orchestra as the background for his “Love Unlimited ” girl group, but shifted his plans. In 1973 White and his Orchestra released “Love Theme” which was viewed as a hit in the disco era. White sucessfyllu mereged classical music, with R&B and Funk Music. “Love Theme” was on the Billboard No. 1 Pop Charts. White eventually found his nitch as a solo artist and was at first in refusal to perform his own songs. It took heavy persuauion which turned to a great success. In this time he prouduced hits such as “I’m Gonna Love you Just a Little More Baby,” “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” (No. 1 in R&B and Pop in 1974) “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything,”(Number 1 R&B, 2 in Pop) etc. In this solo career, White worked with 20th Century records, but decided to start his own label entitled “Unlimited Gold” in 1979.
Late Career
After years and years of performing, White’s career began to decline in the 1980’s and had not reached the high stature that he previously attained. Although he had released 3 albums things were never quite the same. In 1983 he had to end his label due to financial burdens. He then signed with A&M Records in 1987 and released “Shno You Right” which peaked at number 17. In the 1990’s White had made a comeback with his album “Put Me In Your Mix” which ranked Number 2 on the R&B singles chart. He then released “The Icon is Love” as well as “Practice What You Preach” Which was almost number 1 util TLC took the spotlight. His song” Basketball Jones” with Chris Rock in Space Jam also because a hit. White was featured in many commercials over the years as well as making guest apperances on Sitcoms such as Ally McBeal. Barry voiced over commericals and proved himself to be a man on many trades.
Social Involvement
Barry was not very much community involved, but his music allowed other’s to have pure enjoyment. His music promoted love and the nature of loving. He helped put his community by writing songs for other artist and inevitably having a very distinctive voice when made everyone excited.
Contemporaries
- Al Green (April 14, 1946- Present Day)
- Isaac Hayes (August 20, 1942- August 10, 2008)
- Billy Paul (December 1, 1934- April 24, 2016)
- Curtis Mayfield (June 3,1942- December 26, 1999)
Awards
White was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards; winning two for Staying Power in 2000. (Wikipedia)
Outward Influence
After years and years of hard-work, White received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame on September 12th, 2013. He was also inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Barry’s song “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything” also made it on Just Dance 4 song list (this was always one of my favorites).
Death
On July 4th 2003, White died at age 58 due to many health problems he first showed signs of issues with high blood pressure in 1995. He was then diagnosed with diabetes and had kidney failure. He planned to get surgery to remove his kidney but died from a stroke in 2003. He decided to be cremated and his ashes were spread through the ocean.
Discography
![Together Brothers [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=wJqYPHSb4zCImffyGcZ8lA4Q1ghY8VaPylnm7PwcKNY=&f=4)
Conclusion
In conclusion Barry White had an impeccable voice and to this day has a lasting impression. His vocals along with his love lyrics propelled his career. He worked hard for everything he earned, but deserved many more awards In his short life, White achieved greatness.
Bibliography
Hogan, Ed. “Barry White | Credits.” AllMusic, 2020, www.allmusic.com/artist/barry-white-mn0000149044/credits.
Wikipedia contributors. “Barry White.” Wikipedia, 16 Nov. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_White.
Biography. “Barry White.” Biography, 16 Oct. 2020, www.biography.com/musician/barry-white.
“Barry White.” Billboard, www.billboard.com/music/barry-white. Accessed 16 Nov. 2020.
“Barry White | Encyclopedia.Com.” Encyclopedia, www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/barry-white. Accessed 21 Nov. 2020.
Cartwright, Garth. “Barry White.” The Guardian, 7 July 2003, www.theguardian.com/news/2003/jul/07/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries.
