Barry Goldberg, a seminal figure in the blues-rock genre and an influential keyboardist who collaborated with icons like Bob Dylan, has died.
Goldberg passed away in hospice care at the age of 83, ending his long fight with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Yahoo! reported.
Goldberg's death marks the end of a storied career that saw him at the forefront of the 1960s music revolution. Born in Chicago on Christmas Day 1941, he grew up in a musically inclined family, with a mother who played barrelhouse piano in a Jewish theater circuit.
Barry's early exposure to music paved the way for his future in the industry, where he would later become a founding member of the Electric Flag. Before fame, he played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, contributing to the growth of the blues-rock genre.
His skills as a keyboard player caught the attention of many, leading to performances and recordings with some of the biggest names in music, including Steve Miller, the Ramones, and Leonard Cohen.
One of his most memorable moments came in 1965 when he performed with Bob Dylan at the controversial Newport Folk Festival, marking Dylan's shift from folk to electric guitar.
Goldberg's influence extended beyond performances. He worked on various production and session projects, such as Dylan’s recording of "People Get Ready" for the "Flashback" movie soundtrack in 1990.
His versatility and expertise made him a sought-after session musician, notably playing the organ across a wide array of projects.
Goldberg also ventured into songwriting, collaborating with figures like Gram Parsons and Gerry Goffin, crafting songs that would resonate within the fabric of American music.
In the mid-2010s, Goldberg was not slowing down. He formed the blues-rock supergroup The Rides with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Stephen Stills. The group enjoyed significant success, releasing two No. 1 blues albums.
Furthermore, Goldberg took part in the documentary "Born in Chicago," which was widely released in 2023. The film chronicles the rich blues scene of Chicago and features interviews with numerous music legends.
Despite his advancing age and health issues, Goldberg continued to contribute to and shape the music scene until his final days.
Outside of his musical career, Goldberg led a fulfilling personal life. He married Gail Fliashnick in 1971 at the famous Chelsea Hotel. The couple celebrated over five decades of marriage, supporting each other through various life challenges, including Goldberg’s lengthy battle with cancer.
His son Aram, who has carved out a niche as an L.A.-based management executive, was also present at his bedside, along with his wife, during Goldberg's final moments in hospice care.
Barry Goldberg's legacy is not just in the notes he played but also in the lives he touched through his music and his enduring spirit.
Goldberg leaves behind a rich tapestry of musical innovation and a family that has revered him for both his public genius and private kindness.
In honor of his love for animals, the Goldberg family has requested donations to the Bear League instead of flowers, ensuring his compassionate impact continues.
His contributions to the music industry remain invaluable, capturing the essence of an era and the evolution of the blues into modern rock. Barry Goldberg's passing is a loss to the music world, but his melodies will continue to inspire generations.
