Barry was born on January 12, 1909, in Bloomington, Illinois. His original name was Leonard Bruce Hess. Even though he was raised in a musical family, his parents did not encourage him to pursue a career in music. They wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer. However, Barry had other plans. He loved music and wanted to make it his profession.
At the age of 19, Barry moved to Chicago to study music at the American Conservatory of Music. After completing his studies, he started performing in nightclubs and bars in Chicago. During his early years, Barry was a member of several bands, including the Jan Garber Orchestra, Edgar Hayes’ Big Band, and Dick Jurgens’ orchestra. He also worked as a crooner for the WLS radio station in Chicago.
However, it was not until Barry signed with Decca Records in 1935 that his career took off. His first recording was a song called “The Voice in the Old Village Choir”. The song became an instant hit, and it helped establish Barry as one of the most promising singers of his generation. Over the next few years, Barry recorded dozens of other songs, including “Until The Real Thing Comes Along”, “My Little Grass Shack”, “Rosie the Riveter”, and “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.
During World War II, Barry became one of the most popular singers among the troops. He performed in several USO shows and traveled extensively to entertain the servicemen. His patriotic songs such as “This Is Worth Fighting For” and “Goodbye Mama, I’m Off to Yokohama” were particularly popular among the soldiers.
Barry also had a successful career on television. He appeared on many variety shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Dinah Shore Show”. He was also a regular on “The Perry Como Show”. In 1955, he even had his own television series, “The Barry Wood Show”, which aired on CBS.
In the late 1950s, Barry’s career started to decline. The music industry was changing, and new singers were emerging. Barry’s style of music was no longer in vogue, and he struggled to find work. He continued to perform in small clubs and hotels, but he never reached the heights of his earlier success.
Barry passed away on November 25, 1970, at the age of 61. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and unforgettable performances. His voice, which was once compared to Bing Crosby’s, continues to captivate audiences to this day. While he may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his contribution to the music industry cannot be ignored.
In conclusion, Barry Wood was an immensely talented singer and entertainer. He was a pioneer in the music industry and helped pave the way for future generations of musicians. His music served as an inspiration for millions of people around the world, and his legacy continues to be felt today. Barry Wood will always be remembered as one of the greats in the history of American music.