Barry White’s Star- The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Cover Photo- Glodean White proudly displays her plaque commemorating Barry White's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Berry Gordy was among the luminaries that attended the dedication of Barry White's star. Both photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

Hollywood CA – It all started when an eleven year-old Barry Carter played piano on Jesse Belvin’s 1956 hit “Goodnight My Love.”   During the 60’s Barry became an A&R man, producer, songwriter, vocalist with various groups, and arranger.  In 1972 he produced the million selling album “From a Girl’s Point of View We Give to You…Love Unlimited” by Love Unlimited. The group consisted of Glodean James (who he later married), Linda James, and Diane Taylor.

Glodean White. Photo by Kim Webster.

Barry’s first album “I’ve Got So Much to Give” produced the 1973 #1 single “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby.” During that same year he created the 40- piece Love Unlimited Orchestra.  Radio airways were filled with Barry’s sexy baritone and his hypnotic orchestrated music during the 70’s.  The 80’s produced the 1982 hit “Change” with its thought provoking lyrics.  “Sho’ You Right” was a hit in 1987 with a title that became a national catch phrase.  And what about that Barry White intro on  “Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” from Quincy Jones’ 1990 “Back on the Block” album…”sho’ you right!”

Barry White, in a photo taken in 1994. His music had a global influence. He passed away in 2003.

Scotty and Walt of The Whispers were among the many celebrities that attended the celebration of Barry White's star. Photo by Kim Webster.

Barry White continued with hits during the 90’s including “Practice What You Preach” (1994), “In Your Wildest Dreams” (1996) duet with Tina Turner on her album “Wildest Dreams.” His last album “Staying Power”(1999) won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance at the 2000 Grammy Awards.

On September 12, 2013, his birthday and ten years after his death, a star was unveiled for Barry White on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Glodean White spoke and accepted the honor for him.  Fans, family, and music industry folks saluted the sexy baritone who left us a gallery of great music to enjoy!