Barry White
Barry White: The Velvet Voice of Love and Soul
Full Name and Common Aliases
Barry White was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas. He is commonly known as The King of Disco, The Velvet Voice, or simply Barry White.
Birth and Death Dates
September 12, 1944 (Galveston, Texas) - July 4, 2009 (Los Angeles, California)
Nationality and Profession(s)
White was an American singer, songwriter, music producer, and musician. He is best known for his smooth, deep voice and his contributions to the disco genre.
Early Life and Background
Born in Galveston, Texas, White grew up in a musical family. His mother, Barbara Tyler, was a pianist who introduced him to classical music at an early age. White's father, Evelyn Carter, was a singer and guitarist who exposed Barry to gospel music. The young Carter sang in his church choir and began writing songs as a teenager.
White attended Houston's Jefferson High School, where he formed his first band, the Atlantics. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles with his family and began working as a session musician for local record labels.
Major Accomplishments
White's music career spans over four decades, during which he achieved numerous successes:
Released 19 top-40 albums between 1973 and 1987
Had 24 top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Love's Theme," and "You're the One"
Sold over 40 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time
Won multiple Grammy Awards for his work as a producer and artist
Notable Works or Actions
Some of White's most notable works include:
Producing and performing on The Love Unlimited Orchestra's debut album in 1970
Writing and recording "Never Gonna Give You Up," one of his signature hits, in 1973
Collaborating with other artists, such as Diana Ross, Elton John, and Donna Summer
White's work extended beyond music production. He acted in several films, including _The Disco Godfather_ (1974) and _Farewell My Lovely_ (1975).
Impact and Legacy
Barry White's impact on the music industry is immeasurable:
Helped establish disco as a major genre in the 1970s and early 1980s
Influenced countless artists, including Giorgio Moroder, Michael Jackson, and Prince
Paved the way for future producers and musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Barry White's quotes are often remembered for their wit, humor, and insight into music production. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"I am the king of disco."
"If it doesn't feel good to you, then don't do it."
* "The only thing that matters is how you make people feel."
White's legacy extends beyond his music and films. He remains an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring new generations of musicians, producers, and fans alike.
As a master musician, producer, and performer, Barry White left behind a remarkable body of work that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His influence can still be felt in contemporary music and film, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry.
Quotes by Barry White
In my day, we didn’t have the cocaine, so we went out and knocked somebody over the head and took the money. But today, all this cocaine and crack, it doesn’t give kids a chance.
I kept my babies fed. I could have dumped them, but I didn’t. I decided that whatever trip I was on, they were going with me. You’re looking at a real daddy.
Everyone to me has to pick a subject to talk about in music if you’re going to be a writer.
I’ve always loved War’s Low Rider and Sly Stone’s Thank You, and I just wanted to put my take on them.
I’m very happy with this new record. It’s dealing with different aspects of love-it’s me making a statement about people doing something with their lives. It is about caring for others.
I don’t know if it’s my music, my lyrics, my sound and knowing the music business the way I do – all I can say is, my career has lasted way longer than I expected.
I never learned to read or write music. Never wanted to fool with scales. That was boring, forced. The music I heard was free – flowing.
There’s a time when people give their words to each other it has to mean something. I’m a street cat. I’ve belonged in gangs and when you had a partner, you went down with your partner whether you won the fight or lost it. You went down together.
When I saw corruption, I was forced to find truth on my own. I couldn’t swallow the hypocrisy.
I quit high school on my birthday. It was my senior year and I didn’t see the point. This was 1962, and I was ready to make music.