“DJs are like actors on a stage, trying to turn on a crowd with their own performance. Good DJs make a good night as good actors make a play.”— Barry Lederer (1944 - 2008)
Below are thoughts, prayers and
condolences left for Barry and those he left behind, from across the country and around the world.
Please share your thoughts and memories: discobarry@c2va.com
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July 24, 2008
Hello,
I just received an email from you regarding the passing of your brother Barry. I wanted to send along my condolences to you and the rest of the Lederer family. I worked for Barry on and off for a few years starting in 2003. I met Barry through an internship program he had with City As School High School. Even after my time at the internship was over, he would still call me up every now and then just to throw me some work, and give me us an opportunity to catch up. My last communication with Barry was a few months ago when I was able to tell him that I made it into law school. He was overwhelmed with joy and kind wishes for my future. He was always supportive of my career aspirations, and he respected my opinions about the direction that mass media has been going in. Barry was an understated man. He liked simple things like taking in an afternoon movie or having lunch with a friend. You would never know his influence on the music industry if you just knew him as a person. He has seen a million faces, been a million places, but he was humble and kind to all of those who came into his life.
Ben Agata
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July 12, 2008
My heart goes out to Barry’s family and to all his Loved Ones ….
Barry …knowing that you are now in the Greatest Club of All ….I can only smile at the thought of you and David Rodriguez, Jimmy Stuard, Larry Levan, Tom Savarese, Frankie Crocker and many others hangin’ out and talkin’ vinyl.
You are a treasure and will be missed !!!
With love
Denise “Sunshine” Chatman
Salsoul Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
July 6, 2008
I worked for Barry briefly at his grabar studio. He hired me to help him pick out music for some of his
fashion shows. Pretty soon i was hooked on djing. I used his dj equipment to mix records more than
picking out music for his shows. Barry had a special ear for music and he will be sadly missed.Thanks for your friendship and the stories Barry and encouraging me to play music and make it.
Dex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
July 3, 2008
When I received word of Barry’s passing earlier this season, I was shocked and deeply moved by knowing we would never get to chew the fat again and my future plans of traveling to NYC to meet up again would never happen.
It’s been at least 30 years since I first heard of the NY boy who wrote Disco Mix at Billboard. We corresponded occasionally since I operated THE Indiana Record Pool (IndyPendent Promotions) from ’78 – ’93. Barry did a brief review of my MasterMix Medley (Disconet) which was very flattering. We all read Barry’s column every week. It was THE disco source for us back then. He was considered one of our “connections” in the biz at the House that Wardlow built.
But since that time, we really didn’t stay in touch as our careers drifted into other areas. I went into radio full time and lost track of him until just a few years ago when he contacted me out of the blue and we reconnected. That was fun. There were many calls late into the night. Seemed Barry always enjoyed chatting forever about his outlook on this music or that format. Anytime the phone rang after 9PM, you could look at the clock and know it was Barry calling from the east coast to chat. My career went from radio to full time work as a voiceover actor and he would say he heard a spot of mine on the radio that afternoon and he’d call that night just to say hi. He was a peculiar man at times and that was his unique personality everyone loved.
You know that he’s got God’s ear up there and most likely playing a few of his favorites at some late morning gig. His mixing may not have been as good as some of the biggies we all have known and loved, but you can bet that Barry’s music selection was far above everyone else’s heads.
My deepest sympathies to Barry’s family and friends. Rest in peace my friend. We’ll see you soon. Keep a table open for me so we can catch up.
Johnny George
Former Indiana Record Pool Director & Disco DJ
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July 1, 2008
So sad to hear about Barry's passing. We had connected through emails the past couple of years. He asked me if I knew what happened to Vincent Carleo. I told him I didn't know for sure, but assumed that he had left us. Barry didn't want to believe that. He told me he was writing a book about the history of the legendary days and wanted people to share their stories. It was like he was hoping Vincent could share another story. Now Barry's gone but his story and his spirit will live with us forever.
Steve Fabus
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June 18, 2008
I was managing a record store in Sydney, Australia around '77 & used to read Barrys column in Billboard mag religiously every week.
30 years later & I'm retired from djing writing a book on the history of Australian Djs & sent Barry an email thanking him for those old reports.
We struck up a great friendship on the internet & spoke to each other regularly on the phone as well.He was planning on popping downunder @ some point & I was looking forward to showing him around.
He was always in high spirits & could talk extensively on almost anything disco related......what great stories.
I miss him.
My thoughts are with his family.
R.I.P. "bazza"Paul "flex" Taylor.
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June 17, 2008
I came across this site while caught up in nostalgia today; I first heard of Barry's death two weeks ago, and I still miss him terribly.
As everyone who ever met him is well aware, Barry was instantly a person who left an indelible mark on you. While my friends dug through his records for hours, Barry would clear a spot for me on one of the only record-free surfaces in his apartment, the couch, and would sit down and show me how to work the TV-on-demand, and advise me which movie to watch. It wasn't just his knowledge of disco that was encyclopediac- I don't think there was a movie out he hadn't seen (and usually loved, even if just for the temporary fantasy world it offered).
I'd never end up paying attention to the TV, though, as Barry would inevitably start telling such stories about such legendary nights and people. "Oh, the book I could write," he'd sigh. "I'd make a fortune." We'd then tease him about the reels upon reels of priceless DJ mixes and interviews that were spilling out of the kitchen cabinets, and he'd exclaim over and over whatever was he going to do with all these records.
Barry truly was a piece of history, not just in terms of disco but for the true essence of New York City itself. Unfortunately, I was too young and too far away to experience the zenith of disco, but Barry helped make it, and the city as it was then, so alive for me.
I'm just heartbroken that I never got to say goodbye. Rest in peace, Barry.
Ana Dane
This photo was the first night I met Barry, through friends Morgan Geist (right) and Eli Epstein (left). After a blazing summer's night sushi dinner in the West Village, during which he regaled us with tales of disco legends, he insisted that we all indulge his favorite dessert in the entire city: warm Indian pudding with a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream, served at The Elephant and Castle restaurant right up the street.
As you can see, Eli didn't heed Barry's sage advice, but he was certainly sorry he missed out when the sweets arrived. It was a happy night, full of fabulous stories and tastes, as it always was when hanging out with Barry.
-Ana Dane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 15, 2008
To Barry's family:
Barry was my source of fashion show music during the 90's. I have happy memories of him and certainly had great music to use.
Yes he was a legend. We also knew him as a thoughtful man. We were new to the area and he orchestrated special NYC events for my young daughter. One was a Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall with a backstage tour just for her. Jennifer glowed with the happiness of being made to feel special. It was priceless. And it was all due to Barry.
Gordon and Jennifer and I are very sorry for your loss.
Cynthia Link
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June 13, 2008
I only met Barry a few years ago, but quickly found myself right at home in his apartment digging through vinyl, listening to his accounts of the Firehouse and the parties they used to throw on Fire Island... Barry was a walking history book on Disco, I doubt anyone would put up much of a fight against that statement. Through him, I gained a greater knowledge for the music industry, the beginnings of the record pool... I remember him fiddling with his homemade CD duplicator and helping me create a few demos to pass around.
Going to Barry's house was a treat. It wasn't something that happened every weekend, but when me and my roommate Bryan moved nearby, we did get a lot of opportunity to spend time there and gossip. Lord, could Barry throw down some Gossip! Our record collection certainly did grow a bit as a result of knowing him as well. How could it not!
It is just so sad that he is gone. I never expected this. I always
thought there'd be another time we'd get together and boogie down.
Words can not describe the full impact that Barry had on my life, but he did open my eyes to things I had no previous knowledge of. He was a smart man and a good friend.I am just so sad I didn't get to say goodbye. It's a reminder to tell those you care about exactly how you feel as often as possible.
"Save a place on the dance floor for me" or in the VIP DJ booth in the sky... either's fine with me Barry!
xo
James Palmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 12, 2008
Not only was Barry a true pioneer of the disco industry, but the fashion industry as well. His contributions were many. He was one of the first club disc jockeys, first dance club sound designers and first runway music designers and consultants. He paved the way for those that came after him and personally opened doors for many people along the way.
I began working for Barry and his business partner Peter Spar at Graebar Productions in 1976. My first job there was wiring speakers to be installed in some of the largest dance clubs in the country for which they'd designed the sound systems. Shortly thereafter, I graduated to mixing and recording the music for retail shops and runway shows under Barry's company name and direction. I honed my skills in front of large audiences by operating the board for shows which Barry could not attend. This was hands on training and education that you simply can't learn in any school. Soon I was doing more and more work for him and shortly thereafter graduated to running my own business in the music and fashion worlds. I enjoyed over three decades of success and now look back on those years and wonder what path I might have taken had it not been for Barry. He introduced me to people with whom I've developed my longest lasting friendships.
Again, all because of Barry. He genuinely enjoyed introducing people to one another whom he liked.
Barry believed in me and did his best to make sure that others did as well. It worked and I'll never forget him for that reason.
Rest in peace, Barry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 11, 2008
I met Barry at Mel Cheren's house on 22nd many years ago while working as Mel's assistant. Barry quickly became one of my (and my friends) most interesting friends. Barry's house was a regular stop for record digging and he would call up weekly to let me know what was new from "For The Record" Pool. Barry would often show up for my gigs at XL and would keep me company in the booth gossiping about the Sandpiper or the Blue Whale or talking about playing Love's Theme on the beach at Fire Island. I was just thinking about Barry the other day. He had been out of pocket since about the time Mel passed away and I was starting to worry.
He will be missed forever. Love is the message. Music is the answer...
Love, always, Bryan Raughton
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My condolences to Barry's mother, siblings, nieces, nephews and peers.
Sincerely,
Lary Sanders
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June 6, 2008
LAST WORD FOR BARRY ...
“The difference between ignorance and awareness is wisdom.
We don’t know where we are going unless we know where we’ve been.
Without that knowledge history is gone with the wind.”oooh man !
what a sad information
I recognized something wrong last few weeks or maybe even after Mel Cheren pass away.Before Barry call to me everyday. He want to speak to my little kid Brandon (16 months) and his older bro Norman (7). It was sooo great to listen Barry and kids whose do not understand his English words but Barry did a lot of kids funny sounds to makes them smile. Brandon is too small to understand but Norman start to cry when I told him Barry never call again because he passed away. This was my whole family cry in fact – my wife Sonia and me 56 old man seems to be hard enough but cry with a lot of tears same like a baby.
Barry was a real friend to me and my family. He plan to visit me in Poland.
We did cooperate about articles, my website. He helped me with correct English grammar. We also argued like normal people and pretend we do not like each other anymore. Next day Barry call (it was not so expensive for him like for me) and we did continue friendly chat (like nothing happed) and cooperation, plans, great future ideas.
I have a lot of his text / e-mails of Barry - good, intelligent text. He sent to me, also unique pictures.
No doubt I have to write serious and complete story about Barry. No doubt he deserve.We did plan create very big ideas like:
real Discotheque Pioneers Hall of Fame
or special fund for broke disco era deejays to help them stay aliveWell, God had other plan for Barry. He watch this good man everyday and want him in heaven to
DISCO (RIP) PIONEERS
do good job for God and angels. Well – I believe Barry will continue his activity in heaven among other
I created special space on my website for:- in memory and respect -
http://www.djsportal.com/en/pioneer/index.php?id=ripI believe Barry will prepare an ‘disco heaven’ for us – all disco pioneers - when we join him sooner or later for sure. In the meantime – please - read what he told me or wrote as an author:
http://www.djsportal.com/en/pioneer/index.php?id=barry
http://www.djsportal.com/en/pioneer/index.php?id=disco_mixYahu Pawul {yahudeejay}
owner / editor
www.djsportal.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 6, 2008
Dear Jason,
I hope you don't mind this email. I received your email from Victor Simonelli, a friend of your Uncle Barry's. I too was a friend of Barry's.
I offer my condolences on Barry's passing. I was shocked to hear of it and saddened because I hadn't spoken to him in some months. I emailed him only about 2 weeks ago, but obviously hadn't heard back.
Anyway, the main reason I'm writing is to ask a few questions, the most pressing of which regards the contents of Barry's apartment. I am a musician and disco enthusiast (you can search on the Web for background about me if you like - including an interview I did with Barry for Red Bull's radio station, which I'm now so happy I did, since it's a relatively recent recording of Barry speaking) and I'm very concerned about all the history in Barry's apartment being thrown out by the landlords. He has amazing history in there, including extremely rare original tapes of the first disco DJs. We used to listen to them (I also bought and was given records by Barry regularly).
Not only does he have NYC musical history there, but also his own - he had transferred old 8 mm tapes of himself in college to DVD, and I'm sure the family (or even his friends) would love these preserved.
Anyway...I'd be happy to help coordinate this. I think the family should have all of this stuff, or if not, at least someone (I volunteer, unless there is someone more suitable) should keep and archive it. My ex-girlfriend, also a friend of Barry's, is going to his apartment building this weekend to try to contact the Super just to make sure the contents are not destroyed or discarded. With hope she's not too late.
Anyway, I'll stop now because this is turning into a stream-of-consciousness tome...but would like to hear from you, or whomever from the family would be able to help coordinate this. There are other things I'd love to know about or assist with, such as whether there will be a service or memorial for Barry, and an obit. I only met him within the last 5-6 years but he was a sweet man and I'll really miss him.
Thank you,
Morgan Geist
(continued below....)
Dear Jason,Thank you for writing back. That's great. I just wanted to be sure the contents of the apartment weren't going to suffer the same fate as so much of NYC's disco history has when a pioneer like your Uncle passes - especially in light of the ruthlessness of the New York City real estate market, landlords, etc.
It's a great relief to hear this (I'm cc:'ing Ana Dane, my very close friend, ex-GF and a friend of Barry's)
I'll be in touch next week. And if you need any assistance, do not hesitate to call on me. If you need any assistance sorting through what's what in his collection, I'm happy to assist. Although I see you are a DJ too, which is great.
Thank you. Look forward to the Web site.
There is a little post I did on your Uncle on my record label's Web site:
www.environrecords.comBest,
-morgan geist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 5, 2008
I think I am writing to Barry's Sister ?
There is so much I would like to talk to you about.
I am also from NY , though spend much time abroad.
My Condolences to you and your Entire Family.
If there is anything I can do, I am here for you.
Barry was good Friend.
Missing you Barry.
This is very sad day.
Thankyou for your friendship Barry.
In regards to Musically, it's rare to meet someone as passionate about music as Barry.
Time just dissapeared when talking music and when listening to music with him !
Also , what a Musical Educator.
Barry was very happy to have given this (audio) interview to me, last summer
http://www.vjsproductionsinc.com/memorobelia/index.asp
Just scroll down to bottom of the page (you will need realplayer to hear).
Thanks also to Morgan Geist for doing the interview with Barry.
He shares his passion and love for music here, and let's us hear some music which moved him.
We are missing you very much Barry.
Thinking of you.
May you rest in Peace my Friend.
With much Love,
Victor Simonelli
A few of the Top DJs from the Disco Era (From Left to Right)
Barry Lederer, Tom Savarese, Vincent Carleo,
Don Findlay, Jimmy Stuard, Nicky Siano
foreground: Tony Smith, Lary Sanders
photograph by: Eric Stephen Jacobs
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June 5, 2008
Hi.
I would like to express my condolences on your loss. I had met Barry only once through a mutual friend and we spent some time chatting about his music, his fashion shows and his speaker and sound system business......as we dug among the thousands of records he had in his place.....i actually purchased some items from him and they are now among the most important pieces in my disco music collection. I had never been in a room with so much vinyl!!!! It was an honor to meet such a pioneer. SInce I was only a kid in the 70's, It took me a while to realize how important he was to the disco music industry.....months after I met him, I did a Google on him only to find out that I had met a living legend.....I only wish I had known this before I met him....I would have had more questions to ask him!!
Upon settling yours/his affairs, I would like the opportunity to purchase more music related items (if you decide to do a clean out of some sort).
I am a disco music history enthusiast and would appreciate the chance to have these historical items preserved and not sent off to a junk pile or flea market.
Once again, my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Mike Maurro Jr.
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June 4, 2008
Hello,
I have worked as a Music Consultant and Designer for more than a decade at DMX, along with being a respected DJ for more than twenty years. About a year ago I took over managing the music design for one of our customers, Henri Bendels, a Limited Brand. Henri Bendels employed Barry as their private Music Consultant, and this is how we came to know one another. For the past year Barry and I would speak by phone at least once a week. It was the beginning of a very special relationship. Barry’s years of knowledge and experience in the music industry were nothing short of amazing. A typical conversation would last an hour or more. In mid April Barry and I were speaking on the phone about our mutual work with Henri Bendel. Barry’s longtime friend at Bendels, Teril Turner, had just resigned to take a position at another fashion company. So Barry and I were trying to figure out how this might effect our work. Then someone came knocking at Barry’s door, Barry said it was someone dropping by to look through his record collection.
Barry had been selling some of his collection, and visitors came by weekly to buy some of his rarities. Barry was going to call me back. He never did. After numerous phone and failed email attempts, I began to wonder what might be going on. As we approached a project deadline in mid-May and had no contact from Barry, it was apparent to both myself and Henri Bendels something was not right.
I began reaching out to music industry friends in New York, hoping to find someone who might know Barry and be willing to drop by his apartment and check. Saturday I received a call from a NYC Police Detective. I still have not been able to
reach her. Then on Monday I received a call from one of my Music Industry friends In New York telling me of Barry’s passing. At this point the information I have received is vague. Barry was a good friend. My heart and prayers go out to the family at this time of loss. I will miss his knowledge, history, and personality.
Respectfully,
Randy Schläger
Music Designer
900 East Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98122. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 3, 2008
I am assuming that it was you who provided this email address. I received word of Barry's passing this morning and am reaching out to share this information with as many of his friends and colleagues as possible. All of the responses have been the same -- sadness, disbelief and the clear realization that this truly is the end of an era.
I have been told that Barry had, in fact, died some weeks back; it is astounding and shocking that none of his neighbors were aware of this. I am saddened for all of his family that so much time passed before he was found. I was in the apartment frequently over the years and found myself extremely concerned that he would just burrow in there, surrounded by so much of his stuff. He admitted to a certain amount of retreating but he was very good at keeping in touch with people, sort of "checking in."
He was a kind, gentle, generous soul ... he changed the fashion and music industries in countless ways. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I will keep in touch!
Truly,
Judy Rice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 3, 2008
Barry Lederer
R.I.P.One of For The Record’s, Premiere Pioneers has passed.
My deepest, heart felt condolences on your lost. Barry was such a passionate & compassionate man about life and music. The reality of knowing he’ll never walk through my office door again makes me miss him instantly. He had a great sense of humor and endless stories to share every time he came to pick up his music at the record pool. Although I was his Record Pool Director for 16 years at For The Record in , Barry didn’t need my direction one bit. In fact, he gave me direction, and was one of my mentors & colleagues who had a wealth of knowledge that he shared unselfishly.
He always asked how my daughter was doing, about my ex-wife (with a chuckle), how’s my new girlfriend etc. He asked how everything in my life was; it wasn’t just music talk. As long time friends, we always signed off on the phone with one another (like two over-grown kids) with “Love you Brother, bah-bye”. Talking with him during WMC 08’ time in March, I knew he still had many things he wanted to accomplish. He was a corner stone with For The Record-Record Pool in New York City. Barry was an appreciated, cherished, honored and respected DJ member with us, and in the Dance Music Industry.
My deepest, deepest sympathy for you, and to your family.
My friend & colleague forever, DJ Barry Lederer (Record Bin #35)… “I Love You Brother, bah-bye”...
Jeffrey Allen
Director
For The Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 3, 2008
Barry was a great guy & a friend, will always cherish fond memories, he will be missed!!!
I have attached photos (Club Cielo NYC 2005)
I have so much more to share, please feel free to contact me, anytime.
My thoughts & prayers are with you,
Michael Herz
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June 3, 2008
my great condolens to Barry
walter mengoni, florence, Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 3, 2008
This goes out to my friend BARRY. Since February of this year, BARRY LEDERER and I continued a friendship that started in 1979 when I worked with him as the Director of The Florida Record pool, and him with BILLBOARD Magazine. He was a walking history book of DISCO, he had knowledge he didn't know he had. A special man who was there to help others. He simply enjoyed DISCO. What more can one ask from him, he gave us his love, his support his heart. Finally his life was given, and we, the DISCO generation lost one of the Crown jewels. God I miss you Barry, I needed to talk to you one more time. I hurt cause I couldn't. I hurt cause you are gone. I hope you install the best sound system in Heaven that you can imagine. I'm sure it will rock! God Bless You! My love goes to you and all who knew you!-- PETE DENIS A.K.A. The VYNIL JUNKIE
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June 2, 2008
I actually got contacted by a mutual friend of Barry's and me, he told me he had received the information about Barry's passing. I still haven't got any reply as to of whom he got the information. I know Barry was last logged into his MySpace account on the 16th of April and as he was very active on there I figure that must have been sometime around there he sadly passed away. I was also contacted around April 20th from a NYC college for which Barry was scheduled to do the music for their yearly fashion show, something he had been doing for over 20 years as I understand. And
when he missed their meeting they got worried as he had never missed a meeting before. They had been calling him and had even walked by his apartment and called the door. They talked to his landlord who said he hadn't seen Barry for a couple of days and that he had much mail to collect. The people from the college contacted the Police, but as they were not relatives of Barry the Police had told them they couldn't report back to them. That's about all I know at this point. I mailed Barry right after I got that mail and since he was always answering mails swiftly I sensed something was wrong, but as I live in Sweden I felt helpless as there was nothing I could do...Let me know if there's anything I can do.
Kind Regards,
Claes Widlund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 2, 2008
The following link is of reactions that are posted at DiscoMusic.com
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June 1, 2008
Barry Lederer
R.I.P.
It's with great sadness I'm reached by the information that my friend Barry has passed away by natural causes in his Manhattan apartement. Barry was just around 60 years old and he had lots of plans and so much more to give.
We started out e-mailing before we started speaking over the phone ever so often and he shared so many of his memories with me. He was always exciting and had lots to tell, and he knew just about everyone worth knowing in the world of Disco. I even visited Barry in his apartment the last time I was in New York. I will really miss our chat's...
Thank you Barry and I hope you turn Heaven into a huge Discotheque!posted at http://www.disco-disco.com/djs/barry.shtml
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June 1, 2008
I just want to take a moment to acknowledge news of writer, DJ and all-around disco pioneer Barry Lederer's recent passing. Although I hadn't known him too well, I had briefly communicated with him via email after a nice comment he had left on one of my entries nearly a year ago. I now regret having lost touch with him since then.
Among other things, he was a major contributor to the disco movement as not only as a DJ, but as a writer for Billboard's "Disco Mix" column from 1976-82 and not to mention his work with the renowned Graebar Sound System, which had graced some of the greatest discos in the US. In recent years, with the various interviews and contributions he has made to various disco websites, he had remained instrumental and generous in documenting disco music and the disco experience. Rest in peace, Barry.
Listen to an interview he did in 2006 with Morgan Geist on RBMA Radio (interview starts at the half-way mark/second hour). http://discodelivery.blogspot.com/2008/06/rip-barry-lederer.html. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
