Disco Pioneer DJ Barry Lederer Passed Away

[Pete Denis]

Barry was one of those very dear people who loved everyone who loved his favorite thing in the world, DISCO. Always ready to help out. He loved that seventies Disco, OLD SCHOOL. He tended to love that PHILLY INTERNATIONAL Sound, and early New York Disco as well. JOHN DAVIS, CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR, KOOL AND THE GANG!! His favorite song, after I interviewed Scotty Blackwell at this years WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE, Scott named "Don't Leave Me This Way" as his favorite. Barry read my interview prior to it getting posted here. He, BARRY, told me that that was his favorite song as well, both, TEDDY'S and THELMA'S versions. In an interview on another site, he again mentioned "Don't Leave Me This Way" as his favorite. I played it just for him today!!--RIP

[Pete Denis]

I understand that it has only been a few days, but has anyone found out the cause of death yet. It bugs me not knowing how my friend passed away. Can anyone shed any light on the reason?

[needlefingers]

Originally Posted by Pete Denis

I understand that it has only been a few days, but has anyone found out the cause of death yet. It bugs me not knowing how my friend passed away. Can anyone shed any light on the reason?

I am keeping an eye out for a New York City newspaper obituary, but it has not appeared yet. As soon as I see one, I will certainly post it here.

[pflext]

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 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"

[needlefingers]

For better or for worse, I received an e-mail this morning that Barry's record collection is being sold today.

I say we look at it as owning a piece of history.

Here is the information I got in the e-mail (not my words)


shit, if the new yorker thinks that you should stop by...

15,000 two dollar records, many too many 12" inch singles, soul and disco lps. bits of foreign craziness. oddities. bad records too.

money raised from this sale goes to barry lederer memorial/party in september. please google him for info on quite an interesting cat.

when? SATURDAY ONLY. 11 am 'til the cows come home.

where? 130 east 24th street (between park and lex) #4B

steve? i just sit there and read aloud from the Atlantic.

click on link and then page down folks. seems like we are a regular feature. they dig the brooklyn record riot.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/goingson

[disco-disc]

Hi Needlefingers, Yes I agree, it is like owning a piece of history, and hoepfully at least the Disco stuff goes to a Good Home !!
I had the pleasure of buying some of Barry's discs apparently. And I know he was surprised at the figure some discs were selling for ! - he was thinking about selling off a large amount, as his appartment was crammed with them !!
I would love to be at his memorial party...but the link you gave I can't find any mention of barry etc. ?
RIP Barry

[Bernie]

Hi Needlefingers, I too received that e-mail last night and thought I could get up early today and drive up. Thankfully, reality set in as I can't even listen to the stuff I have now and besides, paying the mortgage is more important than more records.

It's all kind of sad that something Barry held so near and dear is being parceled out on the cheap, but I certainly understand the families necessity to clear up things and raise cash. I always wonder what would happen to all my beloved belongings? Things that hold significance for me would mean next to nothing to anyone else. "Rosebud" anybody? We can't hold onto it forever so let's enjoy it while we can.

[needlefingers]

Hi guys,

The link is about iris records and is not about Barry. That is who sent me the e-mail. He was referring to a write-up in The New Yorker.

As for the Memorial party, if I, or any other member hears anything, I am sure it will be posted.

And Bernie, I too just paid rent and am going away for a week later this month. And there are about 300 records here for me to still go through.

I didn't get to the e-mail till this morning and even though I am close by, I am tired and had wanted to relax today. And we are due for thunderstorms for the rest of the day. The Wrath of Barry?(from what I've read, Barry had no wrath.)

I knew there was a sale on Thursday, but did not know it was Barry's until this morning. If I had known earlier, I would have made the effort. Maybe it will be extended. I was planning to go over to that neighborhood tomorrow. In any case, I am sure they have to vacate the apartment.

I always tell my family, if I should go, sell them seperately on e-bay. There worth more that way. But in the end, I know they will do what's best and easiest.

In any case, I did want to let other members in the area know about this sale. It is a great opportunity, and I am sure Barry would like to see them go to like-minded people who will rush home and play them. Just as it should be.

[disco-disc]

Well said, Bernie and Needlefingers...we ALL have sounds, etc..that are near and dear (at least to us),and Thanks to the discussions on sites like this (especially this) we learn more and appreciate more...
DISCO WILL NEVER DIE !!!!!!

[Videoskooter]

Just reminding that Jo-Ann, Barry's sister, kindly invites you to share your thoughts and prayers at:

discobarry@c2va.com

Then they will be published on:

Barry Lederer - 1944-2008



(Pic courtesy of Discobarry.com)