Barry White

Barry White, born Barrence Eugene Carter, was an American musician, composer, and producer. He was born on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, and died on July 4, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.

He began his career as a pianist, playing on the R&B hit Goodnight My Love by Jesse Belvin. At a young age, around 11 years old, he recorded several tracks under his own name using the pseudonym “Barry Lee.” He was also a member of groups such as The Upfronts, The Atlantics, and The Majestics.

While achieving some success as a solo artist, Barry White gained wider recognition in a background role as a manager and producer for other artists like Felice Taylor and Viola Wills. In 1969, he founded the female vocal group Love Unlimited, consisting of Diane Taylor, Glodean James (his future wife), and her sister Linda. He also created the Love Unlimited Orchestra, a 40-piece ensemble for which he handled musical direction, composition, and arrangements.

With his characteristic bass voice and romantic image, Barry White achieved his greatest success in the 1970s, both solo and with the Love Unlimited Orchestra. He authored numerous songs that became soul, funk, and disco classics, including his two biggest hits: Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe and You're the First, the Last, My Everything.

Throughout his career, he recorded about twenty studio albums. Many releases and compilations were certified gold and platinum worldwide, contributing to global sales exceeding 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

His musical influences included artists such as James Cleveland, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Supremes, the Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye.

Beyond his main name, Barry White used several pseudonyms and variations throughout his career, including Lee Barry, The White Legend, Gene West, Gene Carter (2), and The Maestro (5).

His health declined in the early 2000s, and he died of kidney failure on July 4, 2003, in Los Angeles at the age of 58.