In 2006, the world lost one of the most
important important men in the history of our music, and we lost a good
friend. Since that time we have embarked on a series of articles to
document the musical legacy of Richard Barrett. Richard was the driving
force behind much of our music including so many well known songs by the
Valentines, Frankie Lymon & Teenagers, Little Anthony & the Imperials, the
Chantels, the Dubs, the Channels, the Flamingos, the Isley Brothers, the Three
Degrees and so much more.
The first several of our Richard Barrett
articles have been published in Echoes of the Past magazine and are
reprinted here with permission of the magazine. Echoes of the Past
is the only current magazine dedicated exclusively to preserving the history
of Doo Wop music. Each issue offers outstanding articles and it is
highly recommended. Please see our "Links" page for contacting the
publisher about a subscription.
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 1: The Valentines," Echoes of the Past,
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 2: Frankie Lymon & Teenagers," Echoes of the Past,
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 3: The Chantels, Clickettes, Fashions and Veneers," Echoes
of the Past,
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 4: Little Anthony & Imperials," Echoes of the Past,
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 5: Lewis Lymon & Teenchords and Jimmy Castor," Echoes of the
Past,
"Richard Barrett's Musical
Legacy - Part 6: Earl Lewis & The Channels, The Isley Brothers and the Del
Knights," Echoes of the Past,
"Richard
Barrett's Musical Legacy - Part 7:
General Johnson & The Showmen, The Three Degrees," Echoes of the Past,
Over the past 30 years, one of the most
important figures in the preservation of our music was Ronnie "I" Italiano,
the founder and president of the United in Group Harmony Association.
Sadly, our friend and mentor, was diagnosed with cancer in November 2006 and
passed away in March 2008. In 2007 several concerts were held in tribute
to Ronnie I. Pam reviewed some of these as well as the last concert that
Ronnie produced but never got to see. All were published in Golden
Oldies Forever.
Ronnie I Tribute Dinner & Show, 13 Apr 2007, Review by Pamela Horner
Ronnie I
Tribute & Christmas Party, 22 Dec 2007, Review by Pamela Horner
Heavenly Harmony Concert XI,
15 Mar 2008, Review by Pamela Horner
The first great African American vocal group
was the Fisk Jubilee Singers, tracing their origins to 1871. Pam
reviewed the group when they sang at the Mark Twain House & Museum in
Hartford, CT in 2004. Her review was published in Remembering the Mills
Brothers.
Fisk
Jubilee Singers Perform at Mark Twain House & Museum, 6 Mar 2004.
All Articles Copyright © 2008, Classic Urban Harmony LLC. All
Rights Reserved.