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“The famous New Orleans sound is derived from the cultural gumbo of this cosmopolitan seaport. Since its beginnings in the 1950’s, rock 'n' roll has drawn upon the N’Awlins musical personality. The ensemble playing of black funeral bands, the syncopated "second line" rhythms of Mardi Gras parades, the country blues from the nearby Mississippi delta, barrelhouse piano stylings, and various forms of jazz improvisation.” - Anonymous
My name is Don Barry and I am the producer of the CD, “Retro News.” I was born in the famous 9th Ward in Old New Orleans. My cousin, Lenny, lived on Caffin Ave. When we were 7 years old, we would climb up a large spiraling old oak tree and listen to Fats Domino, who was truly an inspiration to me.
Back then, “Fats” was still producing music from his house, and we were fortunate enough to experience his talent first hand.Then, when I was 11, my mom bought me a trumpet. She encouraged me to find myself in music. I played the trumpet in a band called The Prophets, then when I was 16, I started singing in a band called Fire and Brimstone. That’s when I met Jimmy Ford, and he asked me to sing in his band “Hoppy’s Favorite” with Vance Degeneres, brother of Ellen Degeneres. Also, that’s when I met the famous writer/producer/comedian Walter Williams, creator of “Mr. Bill.” Walter traveled with us to Charleston, South Carolina. I sang vocals and played the harmonica and enjoyed being in the company of such talented people.
I also met my wife, Star, when I was playing with Hoppy at a place called The Sands, and we are still together today.
In 1973, I was in a band called Mink. Some of our Mink songs are on the Retro News CD. During this time, I also studied opera. Dr. Paddock, the leading vocal teacher at Loyola University, taught me various techniques which I still employ today. Studying opera enhanced my skills to sing Led Zeppelin and other songs that were hot at that time. When Mink broke up, Jeff Beninato and Tony Sinopoli, (the guitar player from Mink) and myself formed a group called Rockin Horse. That was when I started playing the keyboards.
Then, I went out west to Seattle and next to Alaska to work on the pipeline. When I came back, Jeff Beninato and I along with my cousin, Lenny Campiere, and Lester Kenyon formed “The Newsboys.” “The Newsboys” performed originals and some cover songs. My beautiful wife, Star, was a poet, and wrote the lyrics for some of our songs. “The Newsboys” were always well known for our vocals. “The Newsboys” played numerous times at the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair. We opened for many famous talented groups, including the Neville Brothers, The Producers, Deacon John, Nick Lowe, and Paul Carrat.
After the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair closed, gigs were scarce so we all went our separate ways. But in 1989, Mink reunited. I was singing and playing keyboards and harmonica. Mink had some great players. We had Wes Merritt playing bass. Tony Sinopoli was our virtuoso on guitar. Multi-talented Steve Salmon was also performing on vocals, as well as playing guitar and keyboards. Mike Larkins was a driving force on drums.
In 1997 and 1998 I played in “The Dream Band” at the Famous Door on Bourbon Street. Later, I got my own band together. My band was called “King Soul.” It was a great band with a fantastic horn section and a large following.
Presently, I am with a band called “Clockwerk.” Ace Palacio is a master on the guitar, Craig Courtney is amazing on bass, Joe Caluda plays like a wizard on the keyboard, Mike Larkins is a powerhouse on the drums, and I am singing and playing harmonica just like the old days. Ace, Craig, Joe, and Mike are phenomenal musicians. I am excited to be with “Clockwerk” and am looking forward to writing, recording and producing our originals.
Do you enjoy listening to classic rock, innovative music, and great vocals? Then I know you’ll enjoy listening to Don Barry’s Retro News.
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Our band, Hoppy’s Favorite: Vance Degeneres, Alvin Young,
Don Barry, Jim Hayne, Jimmy Ford.
DON BARRY’S NEW CD IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
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