# Barry White

> American soul singer (1944–2003)

**Wikidata**: [Q213647](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q213647)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_White)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barry-white

## Summary
Barry White was an American soul singer, songwriter, composer, conductor, and record producer who defined the sound of romantic soul music from the 1960s until his death in 2003. Born Barry Eugene Carter, he is best known for his distinctive deep bass voice and his leadership of the Love Unlimited Orchestra, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His career spanned over four decades, during which he produced and performed music that became a cornerstone of the soul and R&B genres.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 12, 1944
- **Nationality**: United States (American)
- **Education**: Attended institution Q6175496 (specific degree not detailed in source)
- **Known for**: Pioneering the "Wall of Sound" production style in soul music and his iconic deep bass vocal range
- **Employer(s)**: A&M Records (record label affiliation)
- **Field(s)**: Soul music, R&B, Pop, Orchestral Arrangement, Music Production

## Contributions
Barry White's primary contributions include the creation and production of a vast catalog of soul music characterized by lush orchestral arrangements and romantic lyrics.
- **Musical Performance**: As a singer and bandleader, he fronted the Love Unlimited Orchestra, producing instrumental hits that blended soul with symphonic elements.
- **Songwriting and Composition**: He authored and composed numerous songs, establishing himself as a singer-songwriter who crafted his own musical identity.
- **Record Production**: He oversaw and managed the recording of artists' music, utilizing his skills as a conductor to direct large musical groups during performances.
- **Acting**: He expanded his career into acting, appearing in dramatic or comic productions across film, television, theatre, and radio.
- **Genre Definition**: His work helped solidify the "soul" genre (inception post-1955) as a dominant force in popular music, influencing the direction of R&B for decades.

## FAQs
**What was Barry White's full name and birth details?**
Barry White was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944. He was an American citizen known professionally by his stage name, Barry White.

**Which record labels was Barry White associated with during his career?**
He was notably affiliated with A&M Records, a historic American label founded in 1962. His work with this organization helped distribute his soul and orchestral music to a global audience.

**What specific roles did Barry White hold in the music industry?**
Beyond being a singer, he served as a singer-songwriter, bandleader, composer, conductor, and record producer. He also worked as an actor in various media productions.

**What recognition did Barry White receive for his contributions to entertainment?**
He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an award recognizing his significant impact on the entertainment industry in Hollywood, California.

**When did Barry White's professional career begin and end?**
His work period started in 1960 and concluded in 2003, the same year he passed away on July 4.

## Why They Matter
Barry White matters because he fundamentally altered the landscape of soul music by introducing a sophisticated, orchestral approach to R&B that emphasized romance and sensuality. His unique vocal timbre and production techniques created a signature sound that influenced countless artists and established a new standard for romantic ballads. Without his work, the genre would lack the lush, symphonic textures that defined the 1970s soul era, and the commercial viability of the "Love Unlimited" style of orchestral soul might never have been proven. His legacy endures through his extensive catalog, which continues to be a reference point for producers and vocalists seeking to blend pop, soul, and classical instrumentation.

## Notable For
- **Distinctive Voice**: Renowned for his exceptionally deep bass vocal range.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- **Multi-Hyphenate Career**: Successfully operated as a singer, songwriter, composer, conductor, producer, and actor.
- **Love Unlimited Orchestra**: Leader of a large ensemble that produced hit instrumental soul tracks.
- **A&M Records Affiliation**: Key artist associated with the A&M Records label.
- **Soul Genre Pioneer**: Instrumental in shaping the sound of soul music post-1955.
- **Longevity**: Active professional career spanning from 1960 to 2003.
- **Songwriting**: Authored and composed his own material as a singer-songwriter.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Barry White was born on September 12, 1944, in the United States. His birth name was Barry Eugene Carter, though he is universally recognized by the stage name Barry White. He held American citizenship and was a member of the human species, specifically the genus *Homo sapiens*. His life spanned from 1944 until his death on July 4, 2003.

### Professional Roles and Fields
White was a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry, holding numerous titles simultaneously. He was primarily a singer, performing for listening audiences, and a singer-songwriter who wrote and composed his own songs. As a bandleader, he directed groups of musicians, and as a conductor, he led musical groups during performances. His expertise extended to record production, where he oversaw and managed the recording processes for various artists. Additionally, he worked as an actor in dramatic and comic productions across film, television, theatre, and radio. His primary field of work was the soul music genre, which emerged as a popular form after 1955.

### Career Timeline and Affiliations
Barry White's professional work period began in 1960 and continued until 2003. A significant portion of his career was associated with A&M Records, an American record label founded in 1962 by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. A&M Records, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, was known for its diverse roster and contributions to jazz, pop, and rock, providing a platform for White's soul music. The label was later acquired by PolyGram in 1989 and eventually became part of Universal Music Group. White's association with A&M helped disseminate his music during the label's peak influence.

### Recognition and Awards
His contributions to the arts were formally recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This award, located in Hollywood, California, United States, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. This accolade stands as a testament to his lasting impact on music and culture.

### Legacy and Influence
Barry White's legacy is defined by his ability to blend orchestral arrangements with soul music, creating a unique sonic identity. He influenced the trajectory of the soul genre, demonstrating the commercial and artistic potential of large-scale musical productions led by a single visionary. His work as a composer and producer set a precedent for future artists who sought to integrate classical elements into popular music. Even after his death in 2003, his music remains a vital part of the cultural heritage of the United States and the global soul music community.

### Identifiers and Metadata
Barry White is cataloged under numerous identifiers across various databases. His Wikidata ID is Q5, and his Wikipedia title is "Barry White." He is associated with the sitelink count of 53 on Wikipedia. His official website was http://www.barrywhite.us/. He is linked to the genre Q131272 (soul) and the record label Q1780995 (A&M Records) and Q277626. His work period is recorded as starting in 1960 and ending in 2003. He is also associated with the entity Varry Brava, a Spanish indie pop band, though the specific nature of this connection is not detailed in the provided text. His aliases include Barry Eugene White and Barry Eugene Carter.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/carter-barry-eugene-barry-white-1944-2003/)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
4. BnF authorities
5. BlackPast.org
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. Discogs
9. Internet Broadway Database
10. Find a Grave
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
14. [Source](https://www.happycow.net/vegtopics/famous/barry_white)
15. BBC Things
16. ISWC Network
17. Quora
18. The Movie Database
19. LIBRIS. 2016
20. YouTube API