Bio

Bio

It all began when BarryG took an interest in drums at the age of six, following in his father's footsteps. At age ten, he began singing in the church and won first prize in a fourth grade talent contest. At the age of fourteen, he was performing with local dance bands.

BarryG entered the Army in 1955. After basic and advanced training, he was sent overseas to Germany. There he became a member, as a drummer /percussionist of the 7th United States Army Band. BarryG formed his own seven piece band called "The Rock-n-Kings". BarryG had the opportunity to tour Europe with his group and was part of a show honoring Elvis Presley, along with "The Echoes", "Billy Eckstein", "Bill Haley and the Comets", "Sandra Dee" and "Benny Goodman". After BarryG's tour of duty he was a drummer, keyboardist and lead vocalist for various groups in the states of Maryland and California.

In 1963, BarryG became the lead vocalist for a Maryland based group called "The Vikings", a seven piece R & B band and the first successful blue-eyed soul band in the region. Later the name of the band changed to "Barry and the Vikings". BarryG quickly became known regionally as the "Blue- Eyed Otis Redding". He has carried that sound and distinction to his present day performances. In 1964 "Barry and the Vikings" had their first single release on Jamie Records titled, "I Love You, Yes I Do/Last Night/Mash Potato's". Because of the success of this single regionally, "Barry and the Vikings" had the opportunity for many years to perform with many of the 50's and 60's recording artists as they toured. These artists include, "Fats Domino", "Little Richard", "The Platters", "Ink Spots", "Otis Redding (tour 1967, prior to his death), "Wilson Pickett", "Marvin Gaye", "Mitch Ryder (tour 1968), "Gene Chandler", "Martha and the Vandellas", "James Brown", "Dave Clark Five (USA tour 1964) and many more...

In 1980 BarryG recorded his first Gospel CD and quickly became a nationally known Gospel recording artist. Over the period of the next seven years BarryG recorded six Gospel CD's with Trail and Trinity Record labels.

Between 1997 and 2003 BarryG recorded four additional R & B CD's through Rheanna Records; however, his ministry and love of Gospel music continues to today.

From 1994 until December of 2003, BarryG toured with the Charlie Thomas (original) Drifters as their Music Director and opening vocal performer. During that period of nine years, BarryG made many acquaintances and performed on stage with many of our nation's finest and best known R & B artists. BarryG was also a part of the PBS Doo Wop #51, R&B 40 and Rock, Rythm & Doo Wop with charlie Thomas' Drifters'

BarryG is one of the most versatile musicians and songwriters around, as well as a popular and sought after vocalist. He can effortlessly shift his vocal selections from R & B to Gospel; from Patriotic to Broadway and back again; however, there is not one type of music that he can't sing and can't sing well. Anyone who hears him perform is left spellbound by

the power of his voice and message.