Disco Pioneer DJ Barry Lederer Passed Away

[TheLordOfFlatbush]

Folks:

I've just received news from Tom Moulton that Disco Pioneer DJ Barry Lederer has passed away.

Barry was a legendary DJ whose highlights included playing hidden gems Mixed by Tom Moulton.

For more information about Barry Lederer, please read his interview Written by Bernard F. Lopez of DiscoMusic.com

Barry Lederer of Graebar Sound - DiscoMusic.com

[markydefad]

I'm shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. May he R.I.P. ---gone way too soon. :icon_sad::icon_sad::icon_sad:

[Videoskooter]

Terrible news! Over the last year I had a great contact with the man via MySpace. Absolutely loveable guy and with a GREAT knowledge.

The world of Dance and Disco has lost another hero.

Rest in peace Barry.

[Bernie]

My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of meeting Barry Lederer in NYC a few years ago and he went out of his way to introduce me to people like Nicky Siano and others at the Dance Music Hall of Fame. He didn't have to do that, but he did and he made sure we were comfortable the entire night.

Barry was passionate about the Disco story being told to anyone who wanted to hear it and even contributed to DiscoMusic.com via his various postings especially in the Clubs section and an interview he granted me a few years back.

I received an e-mail earlier today from a DiscoMusic.com member who said he was contacted by the NYPD looking for Barry's next of kin. Out of respect I will leave it at that. The news was saddening, but Barry has left a rich legacy through his writings in Billboard's Disco columns and the many sound systems he put together for clubs like the Saint, 12 West, Trocadero Transfer... through his firm, Graebar Sound.

Barry, thank you for being a good friend all these years and for sharing your love of Disco and music with everyone. May you rest in peace and know that many will never forget you.

http://www.discomusic.com/people-more/2740_0_11_0_C/

[remicks]

*****



What very sad sad news . Barry was , of course , the one who continued the disco column for Billboard Magazine for many years after Tom Moulton hand picked him as his replacement .

Barry, you didn't know it, but you were a welcomed and highly anticipated part of my life every week all those years .... as was true for so many all over the country .

THANK YOU . RIP

remicks




Bernie's detailed interview/biography of Barry that TheLordOfFlatBush links above is a must read.
This site is so lucky and proper to have that.


******

[Dayna]

My heartfelt condolences go out to all the friends and family.. He will be missed.So talented ,gone from us much too soon..
Much Love
Dayna

[Pete Denis]

Since I came onboard this site, no-one, and I mean no-one welcomed me more than Barry. He watched over me, guided me as to what I wanted to do. I met him twenty five-years ago in Miami, while I was in The Florida Record Pool. Since then we had lost track. Since finding each other again, we called and talked for hours. He read my book, it hasn't come out yet. He told me it was destined for great things. I needed that from him. He , as a writer himself, saw that. He built my confidence. He admitted not being the world's best deejay, but one who loved DISCO. He told me that he felt like a "groupie" sometimes. I understand that comment, because next to him, I was his "groupie". The New York City Police department called me, asking if I knew a next of kin. I feel bad not being able to help. They didn't tell me anything useful. Does anyone know how my friend BARRY died? I miss you already. GOD BESS YOU!!

[disco-disc]

JEEZ :icon_exclaim::icon_exclaim::icon_exclaim::icon_cr y:
THAT IS SAD NEWS, I WAS SPEAKING WITH BARRY A FEW MONTHS BACK, HAD MANY CHATS WITH HIM TRANS-ATLANTIC ON THE TELEPHONE...I CAN'T BELEIVE IT...SO SAD, AND YES HE WAS A VERY KNOWLEDGABLE AND INTERESTING PERSON.
I WISH I COULD SEND FLOWERS OR SOMETHING...I KNOW HE WAS INVOLVED WITH A CHARITY, WILL DIG DETAILS OUT AND POST IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED.
AT LEAST HE IS WITH HIS FIRE ISLAND BUDDIES IN HEAVEN :icon_exclaim:

[Pete Denis]

Barry was a great guy. He will be missed by all. His contributions are too many to list. As a person who was in constant contact with him since FEB, I was not aware of any illness. I need to know, how did my friend Barry died?

[environ]

We'll really miss Barry. I too would like to know what happened. I'm in contact with some people close to him now. Barry was great...RIP.


-morgan geist

[VINYLLIFE]

Very sad news indeed. Barry, your contributions to Disco will live on forever!!! Heaven is a Disco. Damn, bet the party is pretty happening up there.:icon_biggrin:

[Videoskooter]

According to Greg Wilson, Barry was found dead in his New York apartment, he was 60.

It's also mentioned in this updated page:

Barry Lederer @ Disco-Disco.com

That's all we know right now.

Maybe in the forthcoming days more info will be made public.

[needlefingers]

It is always sad when the "architects" of our passions pass on.

Thank you Barry. For your contributions and talents.

http://www.discomusic.com/people-more/2740_0_11_0_C/

[dat2disc1]

Barry was responsible for starting me out in my 30 year career in the music industry. I was never a DJ of note like Robbie, Jimmy, Alan Dodd or the rest of the group but I was acquainted with many of them. I worked for Barry & Peter Spar starting in 1976 and as the years went by, worked at the Botel because of Peter's insistence. Barry then started turning over many of his mixing commissions to me, including several fashion shows. I then went into business for myself and owe this success to Barry's introduction into this particular world. We lost touch over the last 10 or so years, and I recently moved out of New York City, but word of Barry's passing traveled very quickly. I'm saddened by his death and will remember the good times we shared. Rest in peace, Barry.
Sincerely - Richard L Brezner

[Pete Denis]

Some news from The New York City Coroners' office. The cause of death has yet to be released, but it was called "Natural Causes". That is a good thing, I guess. It wasn't violent or a crime, and I thank God for that. Barry was not a violent person, rarely got mad. He was peaceful, so I am glad he died peacefully. R.I.P.

[disco-disc]

Thanks for the update Pete...glad it seems peaceful.
I am amazed, but not surprised at the number of people Barry helped, he seemed a REALLY kind soul, and I glad to say that I know I made him laugh and happy during our conversations during his final year on this planet.
R.I.P. BARRY

[boogyjuice]

My condolences and much strength to Barry's family and friends.
Thanks everyone for sharing your stories.
Forgive me that i wasn't familiar with Barry's life and how he connected with everyone.
I'm learning a lot here on the board from your knowledge.

Peace ...

[bigpoppa]

For those of us who never knew Barry, would be nice to know what his "favorites" music list was like, just to get an idea. R.I.P.

[markydefad]

For those of us who never knew Barry, would be nice to know what his "favorites" music list was like, just to get an idea. R.I.P.

This is from a link in a previous post...
Barry Lederer @ Disco-Disco.com

His faves:

"Wow, Favorite records... There are so many... Here are just a few:"

Abaco Dream"Life and Death In G&A"
Equals"Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys"
Detroit Emeralds"Feel the Need In Me"
Bill Withers"Harlem"
Dorothy Morrison"Rain"
Jimmy Ruffin"Tell Me What You Want"
Barrabas"Woman"
Titanic"Rain 2000"
MFSB"Love Is the Message"
Booker T & the MG's"Melting Pot"
Eddie Kendricks"Girl you need a change of mind"
Glass House"Working On A Building Of Love"
Donna Summer"Love To Love You Baby"
Voyage the Album
Boris Midney Pinocchio - Album

[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]

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)


****, 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