Barry Brown, born Barrington Michael Brown around 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica, was a prominent reggae singer who rose to fame in the mid-1970s. Initially gaining attention through his work with the renowned producer Bunny Lee, Brown became a key figure in the transition from roots reggae to the emerging dancehall style. His distinctive high tenor voice and poignant lyrics, which often reflected the struggles and aspirations of Jamaican ghetto life, made him a memorable presence in the reggae scene.

Brown's career took off with the release of "Step It Up Youthman" in 1979, which became a significant hit and led to an album of the same name. Throughout his career, he collaborated with top Jamaican producers such as Linval Thompson, Winston "Niney The Observer" Holness, Sugar Minott, and Coxsone Dodd, and he also released self-produced material. His work was a staple on sound systems, and he was known for tracks like "Separation," "Enter the Kingdom of Zion," and "Cool Pon Your Corner."

Despite his early success, Brown's output became less frequent after 1984. He faced personal challenges, including health issues related to asthma and substance abuse. Barry Brown passed away on May 29, 2004, in Kingston, after an accident at a recording studio. His music continues to be celebrated for its impact on reggae and its enduring reflection of Jamaican life.