Barry White was born in Galveston, Texas, but was moved to Los Angeles, California at six months. While growing up there with his mother, there was much gang activity and crime in the area. By the age of 16 he was put in jail for stealing tires from a dealership.
His ability to sing was already showing in his teens as he sang on his church choir. The boy with the squeaky voice developed a bass voice one day surprising himself and his family.
This is the voice we hear in the many familiar love songs that exude a sensual, sexual feeling. They have become classic love songs and are perfect on romantic occasions.
White married his childhood sweetheart and had four children with her. They later divorced and after time he married Glodean James, whom he produced music records for.
He was very popular in the 1970s and was offended when he did not receive the Grammy award that instead went to Bette Midler in 1974.
His most famous works came out in 1974. Both “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything,” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” are songs that will be known for years to come. He achieved six top-ten singles throughout the 1970s and then decided to move behind the scenes and produce records.
In 2000 he experienced a music revival and recieved the Grammies he felt he was owed. He won for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.
He has been an icon through the years and has even been the focus of sexual motivation for a character in Ally McBeal. His songs were played constantly and he even threw in a few guest appearances.
He has had a very successful career and leaves behind a legend that will last the ages. His name shall be remembered.
