Who was Len Barry?
Len Barry was a singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of the doo-wop group the Dovells. He was also a successful solo artist, best known for his hit songs “1-2-3” and “Like a Baby”. He was one of the pioneers of the blue-eyed soul genre, blending rhythm and blues with pop music.
How did Len Barry die?
Len Barry died on November 5, 2020, at the age of 78. He passed away at a hospital in Philadelphia, his hometown, from myelodysplasia, a cancer of the bone marrow. According to Legacy.com, he had been diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and had undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
What was Len Barry’s legacy?
Len Barry left behind a rich musical legacy that spanned six decades. He was a member of the Dovells, who had several hit songs in the early 1960s, such as “Bristol Stomp”, “You Can’t Sit Down”, and “Do the New Continental”. The Dovells appeared in movies, TV shows, and toured with James Brown and the Motown Revue. Barry also had a solo career that earned him a Grammy nomination and two gold records. He wrote and produced songs for other artists, such as the Tymes, the Ronettes, and the O’Jays. He also published books of poetry and children’s stories.
Len Barry was remembered by his fans and peers as a talented and versatile performer who influenced many generations of musicians. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2017. He is survived by his wife, four children, and four grandchildren.
