Alright now ladies, clutch your pearls because we are about to get deep… deep into Barry White that is! Talk about some sexy soul music, Barry White dug deep into his bag, literally! We just couldn’t get enough of that deep voice, baby!
White started his success in music as a member in several different groups; the Upfronts, the Atlantics, and the Majestics as Barry Lee. After his moderate successes with these groups, he decided to take his talents offstage. He formed a girl group, Love Unlimited, as a producer and songwriter. White got them a contract with Uni Records and recorded their first album, From A Girl’s Point of View We Give to You… Love Unlimited. It became successful with hits such as “Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love” topping charts on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. With just a sprinkle of extra bass from his vocal, White took the group to great lengths. After working with the group, he began working with a solo male artist. He wrote and recorded songs for the artist but after Larry Nunes, music industry businessman and White’s spiritual advisor, heard the records, he insisted White record and release the songs himself. After much resistance and consideration from White, he agreed to do it and recorded his first solo album in 1973, I’ve Got So Much to Give. White’s music and voice embodied sexy soul with his suggestive lyrics and romantic vibes. Slow dancing is not all we were thinking about when White’s voice entered our chest.
White released “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” which is still a hit classic, “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,” “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” by 1974. White made music for the lovers and for the love of disco. Over the years, White’s music became more explicit and his tours remained sold out night after night. He brought the heart to the stage, not to mention the bass he brought to the music.
His success continued through the 90s, releasing more classic hits along the way. His music along with some of his albums earned gold and platinum status selling worldwide. Barry White’s baritone sound was the voice of a legend with the swag to match.
White left us in 2003 due to a stroke while having a kidney transplant. He left us with a legacy of music and his voice will continue to shake the ground as we play it in our homes or on the air frequencies cruising down the street. We celebrate the funky life of Barry Lee White!