Barry Goldberg
Barry Joseph Goldberg (December 25, 1941 – January 22, 2025) was an influential American blues and rock keyboardist, songwriter, and producer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Goldberg's musical journey began in the vibrant blues scene of his hometown, where he played alongside legends such as Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, and Howlin' Wolf. He gained significant recognition as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, notably backing Bob Dylan during his controversial electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
In 1967, Goldberg co-founded The Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield, and later formed the Barry Goldberg Reunion. His collaborations extended to numerous artists, including Steve Miller, with whom he formed the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band. Goldberg's songwriting prowess led to his compositions being recorded by notable musicians such as Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, and Gram Parsons.
Goldberg's production credits include albums for Percy Sledge, Charlie Musselwhite, and Bob Dylan's rendition of "People Get Ready." He also contributed to albums by Leonard Cohen, the Ramones, and The Flying Burrito Brothers. His self-titled album, produced by Bob Dylan and Jerry Wexler, was released in 1974.
In the 1990s, Goldberg continued his musical endeavors, producing the Grammy-nominated "Blue Night" by Percy Sledge. He also wrote and performed the theme for the Disney Channel movie "Smart House." In his later years, Goldberg was part of the blues-rock supergroup The Rides, achieving success with two No. 1 blues albums.
Goldberg's legacy is celebrated in the documentary "Born in Chicago," which highlights his contributions to the Chicago blues scene. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, after a decade-long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical innovation and collaboration.