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Barry Blue
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Barry Blue (born Barry Ian Green; 4 December 1950)[1][2] is an English singer, producer, and songwriter. As an artist, he is best known for his hit songs "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" and "Do You Wanna Dance" (both 1973).[2]
Blue has also been a prolific songwriter and producer for many artists and has had over forty worldwide hits, including those by Andrea Bocelli, Diana Ross, Celine Dion, The Saturdays, The Wanted, and Pixie Lott. In film and television, Blue has provided soundtracks and/or themes for productions including Eyes of Laura Mars, The Long Good Friday, and Escape to Athena.[2]
Early days
[edit]At the age of 13, Blue (born Barry Ian Green) made his first television appearance with his school band, the Dark Knights, performing on Stubby Kaye's Silver Star Show, a weekly children's talent show hosted by Kaye via Granada TV. By the age of 14, Blue had signed with record producer Norrie Paramor, whose assistant was Tim Rice; the producer of Blue's first song "Rainmaker Girl",[3] which became a hit for Gene Pitney in the United States. Later, he became a bassist in the line-up of Spice; the band featured Mick Box and David Byron, and was the precursor to the heavy rock band Uriah Heep.[2] He followed this in 1966 with a two-year period in A&R at the Bee Gees' publishing company Abigail Music, under the direction of their manager Robert Stigwood.[citation needed]
In 1970, Blue signed as a songwriter to ATV-Kirshner located in Bruton Street, London, where he joined a group of professional songwriters that included Lynsey de Paul and Ron Roker. One of their earliest songs was "Sugarloaf Hill",[4] recorded by the reggae artist Del Davis. Other early career notable songs co-written by Blue and de Paul include "Tip of My Tongue" for the British group Brotherly Love,[5] as well as female vocal trio Ellie, and "House of Cards" recorded by a number of artists including John Christie, Australian artist Rob Guest, and the D.J. Tony Blackburn. Another from this period included "Crossword Puzzle", also co-written with de Paul, and which led to an appearance on Top of the Pops for Irish singer Dana. At the time, he was still using his real surname of Green.[6]
Blue wrote his first UK singles chart hit in 1972 with de Paul, titled "Sugar Me". The song was originally written for Peter Noone, but de Paul's boyfriend at the time, Dudley Moore, suggested that she should take a demo version to manager Gordon Mills, who told her she should record it herself. The song also charted in the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium. "Sugar Me" was also covered in the US by Nancy Sinatra[7] and Claudine Longet.[8]
Career
[edit]He released his first record in June 1971, under his real name of Barry Green, on the Ember label titled "Together", written by Jean-Pierre Mirouze,[9] taken from the French film Le mariage collectif.[10] He signed to Decca Records and released four singles between 1971 and 1974, including "Papa Do".[11] In a 2020 interview, he revealed that he decided to adopt Blue as a stage name after speaking with a record company employee who told him that green is considered an unlucky colour by circus performers, and because all the three singles released as Barry Green had been "quite unsuccessful", he eventually decided to be known as Barry Blue instead.[12]
His first UK chart success as a performer came with the change of name, and a record deal with Bell Records in 1973.[2] He had five hit singles, "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" (no. 2, 1973; co-written with de Paul), "Do You Wanna Dance?" (no. 7, 1973), "School Love" (no. 11, 1974), and "Miss Hit and Run" (no. 26, 1974),[13] followed by his final Top 40 hit in the UK singles chart in October 1974, "Hot Shot" (co-written with de Paul), which climbed to no. 23 in the UK[14] and reached no. 3 in Zimbabwe.[15] Blue returned to the UK charts in 1989 with a remixed version of "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)".[16] Throughout 1973–74, Blue appeared on many major TV shows and tours alongside artists such as Queen, ABBA, and Status Quo.
Blue achieved a million seller in 1975 with "Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby", recorded by Brotherhood of Man. Two years later, in 1977, he co-wrote "Devil's Gun", a song by C. J. & Company from the album of the same name. The song was no. 1 on the Billboard disco/dance chart for five weeks. The single also peaked at no. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, and no. 2 on the R&B chart.[2] Written by Blue, Ron Roker, and Gerry Shury, and produced by Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey, the song is notable for being the first record played at the opening of Studio 54 on 26 April 1977 by DJ Richie Kaczor.[3] The instrumental portions of "Devil's Gun" were featured prominently in the international version of the film Crocodile. It also featured in the film The Real Bruce Lee. In 2016, the song was included in The Get Down soundtrack, and the following year it was featured in the film Borg vs McEnroe.
One of his major production successes was the multi-racial, Anglo-US funk/soul band Heatwave, who enjoyed hits in the UK and US with "Boogie Nights", "Always and Forever", "Mind Blowing Decisions", and "The Groove Line".[17][18][19] Other funk songs produced by Blue include "Funk Theory"[20] by Rokotto,[21] which reached no. 49 in 1978, "Somebody Help Me Out"[22] by Beggar and Co, which reached no. 15 in the UK in 1981, and "Say Yeah"[23] by The Limit, which peaked at no. 17 on the UK singles chart and no. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Dance/Club Play chart in 1985.
In 1988 Blue worked again with Rod Temperton on the Siedah Garrett album, Kiss of Life (released on the Qwest label) writing the title track. In 1989, under the artist name Cry Sisco!,[24] Blue had another minor hit with a song called "Afro Dizzi Act", which reached no. 42 on the UK singles chart.[25][26]
In 2023 Blue commenced writing the English lyric adaption for the French musical Bernadette de Lourdes, based on the true life story of Bernadette Soubirous, who in the town of Lourdes in 1850s France, had 16 visions of a lady believed to be The Virgin Mary and faced ridicule, doubt and condemnation.The English language version makes its debut at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago in February 2026 and then embarks on nationwide tours of the US and Canada followed by the rest of the world in 2026/7.[citation needed]
Selected songs for other artists
[edit] | This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (April 2018) |
| song title | artist | year | songwriter | producer | album (a) / single (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "I Hope and I Pray" | Alvin Stardust & Sheila Walsh | 1986 | Brenner, Lippell, Moss | Barry Blue | (s) see title |
| "E Sara' A Settembre (Someone like You)" | Andrea Bocelli | 2001 | B. Blue, A. Salerno, R. Smith | (a) Cieli di Toscana | |
| "Old Flame Burnin'" | Andy Gillin | 1989 | B. Blue, J. Cavanagh | Uno Hoo | (s) see title |
| "We All Work Out" | Beggar and Co | 1982 | Jonathan Perkins | Barry Blue | (s) see title |
| "Trop jeune à dix-sept ans" | Celine Dion | 1984 | Barry Blue, P. Greedus | Eddy Marnay Rudi Pascal | (a) Les oiseaux du bonheur |
| "Who" | Diana Ross | 1982 | Barry Blue, Rod Bowkett | Diana Ross, Michael Jackson | (a) Silk Electric |
| "Escaping" | Margaret Urlich | 1989 | Barry Blue, Robyn Smith | Nigel Lowis | (a) Only Human |
| "What a Bitch Is Love" | Marcia Hines | 1982 | Paul Greedus, Barry Blue | Dave MacKay | (s) see title |
| "Love the Way You Love Me" | Marti Caine | 1981 | Blue, Greedus | Blueytunes Productions | (a) Point of View |
| "The Little Things" | Matt Monro | 1976 | Blue, Worth | John Burgess | (s) see title |
| "Tremblin'" | Mel Smith | 1986 | Barry Blue, Paul Greedus | Pete Wingfield | (s) see title |
| "No Time to Be Hurt" | Pixie Lott | 2009 | Barry Blue, Pixie Lott | Barry Blue | (a) Turn It Up (unreleased) |
| "Just a Disillusion" | Sandie Shaw | 1976 | W. & M. J. P. Vermuelem | Barry Blue | (s) see title |
| "Flashback" | The Saturdays | 2010 | The Saturdays | Barry Blue | (s) Ego |
| "Radiator Rock" | The Sting-rays | 1982 | Paul Greedus, Barry Blue | Paul Greedus | (s) see title |
| "Replace Your Heart" | The Wanted | 2010 | Cathy Dennis, Kasia Livingston | Barry Blue, Greg Kurstin | (a) The Wanted |
| "Don't You Remember When" | Vera Lynn | 1976 | De Paul, Blue | De Paul | (s) see title |
| "Travelin' On" | Acker Bilk & Paramount Jazz Band | 1972 | Blik, Green, Mazi | Terry Brown | (a) Acker Pie |
| "Je compte jusqu'à toi" | Patricia Kaas | 1997 | Barry Blue, Robyn Smith, Zazie | Jefferey (C.J.) Vanston | (a) Dans ma chair |
| "Love in Me" | Danni Minogue | 2009 | Blue, Mallozzi, Sabiu | Rapino Bros | (a) The 1995 Sessions |
| "New York Moon" | Louise | 1997 | Barry Blue, Robyn Smith | Steve Levine | (a) Woman in Me |
| "Love Bomb" | Cheryl Lynn | 1980 | De Paul, B. Blue | Barry Blue | (s) see title |
Chart hits as a songwriter
[edit]- "Sugar Me" for Lynsey de Paul (1972) – a worldwide million seller
- "Tip of My Tongue" for Brotherly Love (1973)[5]
- "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" for Barry Blue (1973)[27]
- "Do You Wanna Dance" for Barry Blue (1973)[28]
- "School Love" for Barry Blue (1974)[29]
- "Miss Hit and Run" for Barry Blue (1974)[30]
- "Hot Shot" for Barry Blue (1974)[31]
- "Ooh I Do" for Lynsey de Paul (1974)[32]
- "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" for Flash Cadillac & Continental Kids (1974)[33]
- "Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby" for Brotherhood of Man (a European million seller) (1975)[34]
- "Devil's Gun" for C. J. & Company (1977)[35]
- "Funk Theory" for Rokotto (1978)[36]
- "One More Minute" for Saint Tropez (USA chart hit, plus no. 9 Dance chart) (1979)[37]
- "And I Wish" for The Dooleys (1979)[38]
- "I Eat Cannibals" for Toto Coelo (1982)[39]
- "Dracula's Tango (Sucker for Your Love)" for Toto Coelo (1982)[40]
- "All Fall Down" for Five Star (1985)[41]
- "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" (reissue) for Barry Blue (1989)[42]
- "Escaping" for Asia Blue (1992)[43]
- "Escaping" for Margaret Urlich (1989)
- "Escaping" for Dina Carroll (1996)[44]
- "Je Compte Jusqu'à Toi" for Patricia Kaas (1997)[45]
Chart hits as a producer
[edit]- "Fairytale" for Dana (1976)[46]
- "Boogie Nights" for Heatwave (1977)[47]
- "Have I the Right" for Dead End Kids (1977)[48]
- "Too Hot to Handle" / "Slip Your Disc to This" for Heatwave (1977)[49]
- "The Groove Line" for Heatwave (1977)[50]
- "Mind Blowing Decisions" for Heatwave (1978)[51]
- "Always and Forever" for Heatwave (1978)[52]
- "Something's Cooking in the Kitchen" for Dana (1979)[53]
- "I've Got Faith in You" for Cheryl Lynn (USA R&B hit) (1980)[54]
- "(Somebody) Help Me Out" for Beggar and Co (1981)[55]
- "Cheers Then" for Bananarama (1982)[56]
- "Say Yeah" for Limit (ft. Gwen Guthrie) (1985)[57]
- "Mony Mony" for Amazulu (1987)[58]
- "Afro Dizzi Act" for Cry Sisco! (1989)[59]
Film, television and advertising
[edit] | This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (April 2018) |
Blue has provided soundtracks and/or themes for various productions:
| TV themes / songs | film themes / songs |
|---|---|
| The Golden Shot
Alexander the Greatest Shirley's World Lift Off Billy Liar Come Midnight Monday Praying Mantis Puhd Aineet Dia Spot Autogrip Oppenheimer Faszinationen Sharp Intake of Breath Sex in the City Breaking Bad The Getdown Path to 911 Only Fools and Horses Coronation Street The Benny Hill Show Eastenders |
Escape to Athena
Eyes of Laura Mars The Long Good Friday The Boy Who Won the Pools Chico and the Man Felicity Ishikawa Hiduni Kids World The Sweeney Girls, Girls, Girls Mackenzie Appointed Mompti Side by Side The Get Down The Real Bruce Lee Crocodile Borg vs. McEnroe Anita & Me Top Boy Money Heist British Airways Walls Honda Ford Fabreze B & Q Airbus Industries Camelot McDonald's Paramount Pictures Wella |
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Barry Blue | |
| Hot Shots |
|
| Rock 'n' Roll (with Miki Antony and Dave Rowberry) |
|
| Disco Happening (with Miki Antony and Tom Parker) |
|
| Songs from the Heart Book |
|
Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Dancin' on a Saturday Night |
|
| Dancin' on a Saturday Night – The Best of Barry Blue |
|
| The Best of & The Rest Of |
|
| Dancin' on a Saturday Night – The Very Best of Barry Blue |
|
| Greatest Hits |
|
| Greatest Hits |
|
| The Singles Collection |
|
| Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)... Best Of |
|
| The Very Best of Barry Blue |
|
| Out of the Blue – 50 Years of Discovery |
|
EPs
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Boy in the Moon |
|
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [60] |
AUS [61] |
AUT [62] |
BE (FL) [63] |
BE (WA) [64] |
GER [65] |
IRE [66] |
NL [67] |
SPA [68] |
ZIM [69] | ||
| "Together" (as Barry Green; from the film Collective Marriage) | 1971 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "I Wanna Join the Cavalry" (as Barry Green) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Alexander the Greatest" (as Barry Green) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Papa Do" (as Barry Green) | 1972 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)" | 1973 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 10 |
| "Shake-a-Tail" (as Big Wheel) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Do You Wanna Dance?" | 7 | 38 | — | 9 | 32 | 11 | 14 | 11 | — | — | |
| "School Love" | 1974 | 11 | 31 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 |
| "Miss Hit and Run" | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Hot Shot" | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | |
| "You Make Me Happy (When I'm Blue)" | 1975 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "If I Show You I Can Dance" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Devil's Gun" (Germany-only release) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Happy Christmas to You from Me" (with Lynsey de Paul) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Tough Kids" | 1976 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "Billy" | 1977 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "A Lover Lovin' You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night) '89" | 1989 | 86 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | |||||||||||
Honours, awards, and achievements
[edit]- 1965: Silver Star (Stubby Kaye’s talent show)
- 1973: Carl Allan Award – Record of The Year (Dancing’ On A Saturday Night)
- 1977: 6 BMI / ASCAP Awards (Heatwave USA)
- 1977: Councillor – BASCA
- 1977: Music Week – Market Survey Top Record Producer
- 1986: Founded Aosis Studios in London[70]
- 1989: Founded The Escape Artist Company[71]
- 1995: Founded Connect 2 Music[72]
- 2007: Founded Plan 8 Music[73]
- 2010: Director, PRS for Music Ltd (2010–2019)
- 2014: Director, Karma Songs[74]
References
[edit]- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. MUZE. p. 704. ISBN 978-0-19-531373-4. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Barry Blue (4 December 1950). "Barry Blue – music biography, credits and discography". AllMusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Gene Pitney – Run Run Roadrunner (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1971. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Del Davis – Sugarloaf Hill". 45cat.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ a b "Brotherly Love songs ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Lynsey De Paul – Sugar Me (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1972. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Nancy Sinatra – Sugar Me (1973, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1973. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Claudine Longet – The Very Best Of Claudine Longet (2000, CD)". Discogs.com. 9 May 2000. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Barry Green – Together". 45cat.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Collective Marriage". IMDb.com. 9 June 1971. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Barry Green discography – UK". 45cat.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ Pingitore, Silvia (17 August 2020). "From Dancin' on a Saturday Night in 1973 to writing songs for Michael Jackson in the 1980s: interview with Barry Blue". the-shortlisted.co.uk. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Barry Blue – School Love (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1974. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 65. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Barry Blue - School Love / Hi-Cool Woman - Bell - UK - BELL 1345". 45cat.com. 31 May 1975. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
- ^ "Dancin' on a Saturday Night (song by Barry Blue) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Heatwave – Boogie Nights (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1976. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Heatwave – Always And Forever / Mind Blowing Decisions (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1977. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Heatwave – The Groove Line (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1977. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Funk theory – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Rokotto". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Beggar & Co – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Say yeah – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Cry Sisco!". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 129. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Cry Sisco! – Afro Dizzi Act (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1988. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Ooh I Do – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "USA Music VF Chart". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Brotherhood of Man – Kiss Me, Kiss Your Baby (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1975. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "devil's gun – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "One More Minute (song by Saint Tropez) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "And I Wish (song by The Dooleys) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Total Coelo – I Eat Cannibals (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1983. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Dracula's Tango (Sucker for Your Love)/Mucho Macho (song by Toto Coelo) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Five Star – All Fall Down (vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1985. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Dina Carroll – Escaping (CD)". Discogs.com. 1996. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "French Charts". ChartsInFrance.net. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Fairy tale – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Boogie nights – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Have I the Right – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Too Hot to Handle / Slip your disc to this – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "The Groove Line – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Mind Blowing Decisions – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Always and Forever / Mind Blowing Decisions – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Something's Cookin' in the Kitchen – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "I've Got Faith in You (song by Cheryl Lynn) ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". MusicVF.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "UK Official Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Cheers Then – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Official UK Charts". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Mony Mony – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Cry Sisco! – full Official Chart history". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "BARRY BLUE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Das österreichische Hitparaden- und Musik-Portal". austriancharts.at. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS". Ultratop.be. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS". Ultratop.be. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "Suche - Offizielle Deutsche Charts". Offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- ^ "Dutch Charts - dutchcharts.nl". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ Salaverri, Fernando (2015). Sólo éxitos 1959–2012 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 978-84-8048-866-2.
- ^ Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: Singles Chart Book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
- ^ "Aosis Studios". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ Gregory, Andy (10 April 2018). The International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002. Psychology Press. ISBN 9781857431612. Retrieved 10 April 2018 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Connect 2 Music Ltd. PRS (UK)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Plan 8 Music". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
- ^ [1] [permanent dead link]
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Barry Blue.
- Barry Blue on Myspace
- Barry Blue discography at Discogs
- FavoredNationsMusic.com
- Barry Blue interview with M Magazine
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
Barry Blue
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family background
Barry Blue was born Barry Ian Green on 4 December 1950 in the Maida Vale area of London.[1][2] He came from a Jewish family of Russian and Polish descent, with his great-grandfather having immigrated from Russia to Britain in search of better opportunities.[9] This heritage shaped his early cultural environment, embedding traditions and community ties that influenced his worldview.[9] His father, Harry Green, died when Barry was just three years old, leaving a profound impact on the family dynamics.[9] Raised primarily by his mother, Renee, and half-sister Sandra in a modest household, Blue experienced a close-knit but challenging upbringing in post-war London, where Jewish community networks provided support amid personal loss.[9] Details on his formal education remain sparse, but he attended local schools in the area, balancing typical childhood activities with emerging personal interests.[10] Blue's initial fascination with music developed in his pre-teen years, sparked by his half-sister's boyfriend, Ron Roker, a budding musician who introduced him to guitar chords and basic playing techniques around the home.[9] This mentorship ignited his passion for music as an outlet for expression, drawing him away from conventional play toward creative experimentation with instruments and songs. By age 13, this early discovery culminated in his first public exposure, performing with his school band, The Dark Knights, on television.[10]Initial musical career steps
Barry Blue made his television debut at the age of 13 (around 1963–1964), performing with his school band, the Dark Knights, on Granada Television's children's talent show Stubby Kaye's Silver Star Show. The band won the competition, earning a Silver Star award, which marked his first notable recognition in the music industry.[10] At age 14, Blue signed with renowned record producer Norrie Paramor, whose assistant at the time was the future lyricist Tim Rice. This association led to early session work opportunities, including contributing as a musician on recording sessions arranged through Paramor's label connections. Paramor's team also oversaw Blue's first songwriting effort, "Rainmaker Girl," produced by Tim Rice and later recorded by Gene Pitney as a hit in America.[9] From 1966 to 1968, Blue took on an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) role at Abigail Music, the publishing company owned by the Bee Gees and managed by Robert Stigwood. In this entry-level position, he handled tasks such as talent scouting, general administrative duties as a "gopher," and mediating interpersonal issues among the Bee Gees. As Blue later recalled, "I started out as a gopher and was tasked with trying to keep the boys talking to each other because they had all fallen out."[9]Performing career
Breakthrough as a solo artist
Barry Blue's breakthrough as a solo artist came in 1973 when he signed with Bell Records and released his debut single, "Dancin' (on a Saturday Night)", which peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 15 weeks in the top 40.[11] The track, featuring a stomping glam rock beat infused with Greek guitar influences reminiscent of Zorba the Greek, captured the era's energetic teen pop vibe and also achieved international success, reaching number 2 on the Australian Kent Music Report chart.[12][13] Released in April 1973, the single's infectious rhythm propelled Blue into the spotlight, marking his transition from behind-the-scenes roles to front-stage performer.[14] Building on this momentum, Blue's follow-up single "Do You Wanna Dance?" entered the UK charts in November 1973 and climbed to number 7, holding a position in the top 40 for 12 weeks.[15] This upbeat glam rock track, with its driving bass and danceable hooks, solidified his presence in the early 1970s British music scene, where glam influences like flashy aesthetics and high-energy pop dominated.[8] In 1974, Blue continued his chart run with "School Love", which peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart after 9 weeks, further showcasing his ability to blend glam rock elements with accessible, youthful themes.[16] During this peak popularity from 1973 to 1974, Blue's live performances embodied the glam rock era's theatrical flair, including appearances on television shows like Top of the Pops and tours alongside major acts such as Queen, ABBA, and Status Quo.[17][8] His prior experience in A&R at the Bee Gees' publishing company Abigail Music from 1966 provided valuable industry insights that facilitated his entry into recording as a solo artist.[8]Later performances and revivals
In 1989, a remixed version of Barry Blue's 1973 hit "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" was released, peaking at number 86 on the UK Singles Chart.[18] This revival drew on the enduring popularity of the original track, which had originally reached number 2 in the UK.Songwriting and production
Key songs written for other artists
Barry Blue co-wrote the pop song "Sugar Me" with Lynsey de Paul in 1972, which became one of her breakthrough hits, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.[19] The track's catchy, upbeat melody and playful lyrics contributed to its success across Europe, and it was later covered by Nancy Sinatra in 1973, introducing the song to broader audiences.[20] In the mid-1970s, Blue penned "Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby" for Brotherhood of Man, a lively disco-influenced number that achieved significant European success following its 1975 release, topping the charts in Belgium, reaching number 2 in the Netherlands, number 10 in Austria, and number 26 in Germany.[21] The song's infectious rhythm and harmonious vocals helped solidify Brotherhood of Man's international appeal during the era, marking it as a key contribution to their string of continental hits. Blue's songwriting extended into the 1980s and beyond, with notable compositions for major artists. He co-wrote "Who" with Rod Bowkett for Diana Ross's 1982 album Silk Electric, a soulful track that showcased Ross's vocal range amid the record's blend of pop and R&B styles.[22] For Celine Dion, Blue collaborated with Paul Greedus on "Trop jeune à dix-sept ans" in 1984, featured on her French-language album Mélanie with lyrics adapted by Eddy Marnay, highlighting themes of youthful heartbreak in a ballad format. Later, in 2001, Blue's "Someone Like You" was adapted into the Italian "E Sara' A Settembre" for Andrea Bocelli's album Cieli di Toscana, infusing romantic sentiment with operatic flair to fit Bocelli's signature style.[23] These works demonstrate Blue's versatility in crafting emotive, genre-spanning material for global icons.Major productions and collaborations
Barry Blue emerged as a prominent producer in the 1970s, particularly within the funk and disco genres, where he shaped the sound of several international acts through his work at GTO Records and beyond. His production style emphasized tight rhythmic grooves, prominent basslines, and layered instrumentation that bridged soulful funk with danceable disco elements, contributing to the era's vibrant club scene.[8][2] One of Blue's landmark achievements was producing Heatwave's debut album Too Hot to Handle in 1976, which featured the breakout single "Boogie Nights." Released in late 1976, the track—written by Rod Temperton—climbed to No. 2 on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, selling over a million copies and becoming a staple of 1970s disco playlists.[24][25][26] Blue's production on the album and single highlighted his ability to craft polished, energetic tracks with crisp horn sections and driving percussion, helping establish Heatwave as a transatlantic funk-disco force, including the single "Always and Forever" (US No. 18, 1978). He continued this partnership on their follow-up album Central Heating (1978), producing hits like "The Groove Line" (UK #12, US #7).[5][8][27][28][29] Beyond Heatwave, Blue's 1970s productions extended to other key disco and funk releases, including "Devil's Gun" by C.J. & Co. in 1977, a track he co-wrote and produced that topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart for five weeks and reached No. 36 on the Hot 100. This collaboration showcased his knack for high-energy disco anthems with orchestral flourishes and repetitive hooks designed for dance floors. He also produced "Funk Theory" for Rokotto in 1978, a UK Top 50 funk single that exemplified his focus on raw, bass-driven rhythms during the peak of the genre's popularity.[8][30] Throughout his career, Blue has contributed to over 40 worldwide hits as a producer, with many originating in the 1970s funk and disco eras, including works for artists like Dana ("Fairytale," UK #13 in 1976) and Dead End Kids ("Have I the Right," UK #6 in 1977). His innovative approach often involved spontaneous session dynamics and unconventional key changes to enhance melodic surprise, allowing tracks to stand out in competitive markets while maintaining broad appeal.[31][32][8][33][34]Other professional work
Contributions to film, television, and advertising
Barry Blue contributed to several film soundtracks during the late 1970s, providing original music that enhanced the atmospheric tension and narrative drive of these productions.[35] In 1979, Blue co-wrote the upbeat disco track "Keep Tomorrow For Me" with Rod Temperton for the adventure film Escape to Athena, performed by the group Heatwave under Blue's production; the song captured the movie's wartime escapism and ensemble cast dynamics, including stars like Roger Moore and Telly Savalas.[36][37] Blue's music was featured in the 1980 British crime drama The Long Good Friday, directed by John Mackenzie, where it underscored scenes of London's underworld.[38] During the 1970s and 1980s, Blue's compositions served as themes and licensed tracks in British television series, including the police procedural The Sweeney (1975–1978), where his music amplified the high-stakes action, and the sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003).[39][40] His songs have also been licensed for international television, appearing in American series such as Sex and the City (1998–2004) and Breaking Bad (2008–2013), as well as Netflix productions like The Get Down (2016–2017), Money Heist (2017–2021), and Top Boy (2019–2023), demonstrating the enduring appeal of his catalog in diverse storytelling contexts.[39][40] Overlaps with his production work for Heatwave extended to media placements, where tracks like those from the band's repertoire were adapted for film and television syncs during his peak creative period.[37]Recent projects and legacy
In 1995, Blue founded the music publishing company Connect 2 Music. From 2010 to 2019, he served as a director on the board of PRS for Music, the UK's leading collection society for songwriters and composers, during which he actively advocated for creators' rights and fair remuneration in the evolving music industry.[30][41][42] Marking five decades in the music business, Blue released the four-disc compilation album Out of the Blue – 50 Years of Discovery on May 28, 2021, via Demon Music Group, featuring 51 tracks that trace his career from early hits to later productions and collaborations.[43] Looking ahead, Blue has adapted the English lyrics for the musical Bernadette de Lourdes, a production based on the life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, set to make its U.S. premiere at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago from February 12 to March 15, 2026.[44][45] Throughout his career, Blue's versatility as a singer, songwriter, producer, and industry advocate has cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in British pop and soul music across five decades, influencing generations through chart-topping works and ongoing contributions to musical theater and publishing.[30]Discography
Studio albums
Barry Blue's studio albums from the 1970s captured his signature glam rock and pop sound, often produced by the artist himself and featuring upbeat, dance-oriented tracks that complemented his chart-topping singles.[2] His debut efforts were released in quick succession in 1974 under Bell Records, showcasing a mix of self-penned songs and collaborations that highlighted his songwriting prowess.[46] These albums did not achieve significant chart success on their own but provided a platform for hits like "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)," which peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[11] The debut album, Hot Shots, was released in 1974 on Bell Records and marked Blue's entry into the album market following his breakthrough singles.[46] Produced by Barry Blue with arrangements by Gerry Shury and others, the record blended pop rock and glam elements, recorded in London studios to capture a lively, energetic vibe suited to the era's disco-influenced trends.[46] Key tracks included the title song "Hot Shot," which reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)," and "Miss Hit and Run."[4] The album's production emphasized layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, to enhance its commercial appeal, though it primarily served to consolidate Blue's growing popularity rather than drive independent sales.[46] Later that same year, Blue released his self-titled second album, Barry Blue, also on Bell Records, which shared some tracks with Hot Shots but featured a more streamlined selection tailored for international markets.[47] Self-produced by Blue, the album included contributions from writers like Gerry Shury and Hank Hunter, with recording sessions focusing on polished pop arrangements to maintain momentum from his singles.[47] Standout tracks were "Kalamazoo," "Do You Wanna Dance?," and "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)," reinforcing the danceable themes central to his early career.[47] Like its predecessor, it received limited commercial attention but underscored Blue's role as a multifaceted artist handling both performance and production.[2] In the mid-1970s, Blue ventured into collaborative studio work, contributing to Rock 'N' Roll (1975) with Miki Antony and Dave Rowberry on Regency Line Records.[48] This album revived classic rock 'n' roll styles through original compositions, with Blue co-writing and performing tracks like "Bo Berry" and "C'mon Eddie," produced to evoke 1950s energy with modern production touches.[48] By 1978, he participated in the disco-flavored Disco Happening with Miki Antony and Tom Parker on Bruton Music, a library album featuring instrumental and vocal cuts such as "Funky Moog" and "Costa Del Soul."[49] These later projects highlighted Blue's versatility in production, shifting from solo pop to genre-specific collaborations. Blue returned to solo work with Songs from the Heart Book in 2020, an album of original material including tracks like "Crime To Be Cool" and "Escaping."[50][6]| Album Title | Release Year | Label | Key Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Shots | 1974 | Bell Records | "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)", "Hot Shot", "Miss Hit and Run" |
| Barry Blue | 1974 | Bell Records | "Kalamazoo", "Do You Wanna Dance?", "Rosetta Stone" |
| Rock 'N' Roll (with Miki Antony and Dave Rowberry) | 1975 | Regency Line | "Bo Berry", "C'mon Eddie", "Bop At The Hop" |
| Disco Happening (with Miki Antony and Tom Parker) | 1978 | Bruton Music | "Funky Moog", "Costa Del Soul", "Dance, Dance, Dance" |
| Songs from the Heart Book | 2020 | Independent | "Crime To Be Cool", "Escaping", "Boy In the Moon" |
Compilation albums
Barry Blue's compilation albums primarily serve as retrospective collections of his 1970s hits and later career highlights, aggregating singles and album tracks to appeal to nostalgic audiences and introduce his music to new generations. These releases often coincide with anniversaries or revivals, emphasizing his contributions to glam rock and disco without duplicating original studio material. A notable early compilation is Dancin' On a Saturday Night: The Best of Barry Blue, released in 1975 by Bell Records as a vinyl LP that gathered his breakthrough singles from the preceding years, including the title track which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.[51] In the 1990s and 2000s, several best-of packages emerged to capitalize on renewed interest in 1970s pop. Greatest Hits, issued in 1999 by Repertoire Records as a CD, features 16 tracks spanning his Bell Records era, such as "Do You Wanna Dance" and "School Love," highlighting his commercial peaks.[52] Similarly, Dancin' On a Saturday Night: The Very Best of Barry Blue (1993, Castle Communications) compiles 20 selections from his solo output, focusing on upbeat dance tracks that defined his style.[53] The Singles Collection (2002, 7T's Records), a double CD, offers a definitive roundup of all A- and B-sides from his 1973–1977 singles, totaling 25 tracks and providing context for his rapid rise and fall from the charts during the glam era.[54] This release underscores the singles-driven nature of his success, with rarities like B-sides "Welcome" and "Happy Together" alongside hits. More recent efforts include Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)... Best Of (2003, Castle Music), a single CD with 20 remastered tracks emphasizing his dance-oriented hits for anniversary celebrations.[55] The most comprehensive to date is Out of the Blue: 50 Years of Discovery (2021, Edsel Records), a 4-CD box set marking five decades since his 1971 debut single "Together." It spans 51 tracks across his songwriting demos, solo recordings, and productions for others, including UK top 10 hits like "Kalamazoo" and "Miss Hit and Run," to illustrate his enduring legacy beyond the 1970s.[43][56]| Title | Release Year | Label | Format | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dancin' On a Saturday Night: The Best of Barry Blue | 1975 | Bell Records | LP | Early hit singles |
| Greatest Hits | 1999 | Repertoire Records | CD | Chart successes 1973–1977 |
| Dancin' On a Saturday Night: The Very Best of Barry Blue | 1993 | Castle Communications | CD | Dance and glam tracks |
| The Singles Collection | 2002 | 7T's Records | 2xCD | All A- and B-sides |
| Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)... Best Of | 2003 | Castle Music | CD | Remastered hits |
| Out of the Blue: 50 Years of Discovery | 2021 | Edsel Records | 4xCD | Career-spanning retrospective |
Singles
Barry Blue's singles career began under his birth name, Barry Green, with releases on Decca Records from 1971, though these did not achieve commercial success.[57] Transitioning to the stage name Barry Blue and signing with Bell Records in 1973, he achieved breakthrough success with glam pop tracks co-written with Lynsey de Paul, culminating in five UK Top 40 entries between 1973 and 1974.[4] These singles emphasized upbeat, dance-oriented themes and resonated strongly in the UK, where "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" marked his highest peak at #2, spending 15 weeks on the chart and establishing his signature sound.[11] Internationally, his releases gained traction in Europe and Australia, with "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" reaching #2 in Australia and #11 in the Netherlands, while "Hot Shot" hit #3 in South Africa.[8] A 1989 remix of "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" provided a minor revival, peaking at #86 in the UK after one week on the chart.[4] Overall, Blue's singles demonstrated strong initial momentum in the glam era but faded by the mid-1970s, with later efforts on labels like Private Stock yielding no further chart impact.[4] More recent singles, such as "Action Man" in 2021, reflect ongoing activity as of 2025, though without major chart returns.[58] The following table lists selected singles from 1971 to 2021, focusing on UK releases with notable B-sides and chart performance; international variants include adaptations like "Boleto De Ida A La Tristeza (One Way Ticket to the Blues)" in Spanish markets.[2]| Year | Title | B-Side | Label | UK Peak Position | Notable International Peaks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Alexander the Greatest (as Barry Green) | Ole Black Five | Decca (F 13205) | — | — |
| 1971 | I Wanna Join the Cavalry (as Barry Green) | Alimony Honey Blues | Decca (F 13171) | — | — |
| 1972 | Papa Do (as Barry Green) | Boomerang | Decca (F 13282) | — | — |
| 1973 | Dancin' (On a Saturday Night) | New Day | Bell (1295) | 2 | #2 Australia, #11 Netherlands |
| 1973 | Do You Wanna Dance | Don't Put Your Money on My Horse | Bell (1306) | 7 | — |
| 1974 | School Love | Hi-Cool Woman | Bell (1345) | 11 | — |
| 1974 | Miss Hit and Run | Heads I Win, Tails You Lose | Bell (1364) | 26 | — |
| 1974 | Hot Shot | Hobo Man | Bell (1379) | 23 | #3 South Africa |
| 1975 | If I Show You I Can Dance | Rosetta Stone | Bell (1397) | — | — |
| 1976 | Tough Kids | Do You Wanna Dance (instrumental) | Private Stock (PVT 63) | — | — |
| 1989 | Dancin' (On a Saturday Night) (remix) | — | ? | 86 | — |
| 2021 | Action Man | — | Independent | — | — |