Greenfield, Barry

Websites:  https://www.barrygreenfieldmusic.com/
Origin: Manchester, England, 🇬🇧 - Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) - Vancouver, British Columbia, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Perhaps best known for his Number 1 Single, 'New York is Closed Tonight' (which went on to be the most-played song on Canadian radio in 1972), Barry Greenfield's talents span from singer/songwriter to financial planner to father. Throughout his 45 year musical career, he has never stopped writing or performing, and continues to partner with some of the industry's best musical talents to this day.

It was May 1968 when John Lennon and Paul McCartney visited the NBC Tonight Show. They had a reason: tonight, they would announce the arrival of the Beatles’ record label to North America. Barry flew to London. With luck in his favour, Barry had the privilege of meeting John Lennon himself. He was told that his songs were special. Barry called his mom that night from a London payphone to share his joy at the reaction from Apple.

Back in Manchester in early 1970, 19-year-old, Barry, met the Manager of 10cc, Herman’s Hermits, and Andrew Lloyd Weber, among others. Barry's first single was produced by Graham Gouldman and recorded with 10cc. ‘Sweet America’ became Tony Blackburn's BBC Record of the Week. Each morning at 8am, that week in October, the BBC trumpets would play to introduce Barry to the British audience. Quite an honour for the young Canadian songwriter.

In 1972 Barry wrote and recorded 'New York is Closed Tonight'. This recording proved to be the first of three # 1 singles for Barry in a brief 18-month period. 'New York is Closed Tonight' won 1972 Certificate of Honour for Canadian Music and was the most played song on Canadian radio in 1972.

In 1973, the US Music Machine called, and Barry flew to Hollywood to record his first LP, 'Blue Sky'. Produced by David M. Kershenbaum and arranged and conducted by Jimmie Haskell. 'Blue Sky' was a masterpiece of mood and stories from Barry’s heart and soul.

From here, Barry toured for 2 years. His road mates included Supertramp, Maria Muldaur, Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker, Steve Martin, Cheech and Chong, Mose Allison, John Hartford, the Pointer Sisters, Chilliwack, Susan Jacks, and many others who became friends and comrades. Barry's second album came about in 1974. Entitled 'Sanctuary', and it provided Barry two # 1 songs. Then he quit the music business feeling that the mire of fame was not for him, normal suited him best.

The last 40 years have seen Barry build a successful financial planning business and raise a family. During this period, the song writing never slowed or stopped. Barry wrote more than a dozen cover songs, including two songs by Juno Hall of Fame artist, Buffy St. Marie. Buffy called her 1988 ABC/Dunhill Album after a Greenfield track, "Sweet America".

Barry has released 10 critically approved CDs of his compositions since 1999. Culminating in 2020 when "The Essentials" arrived on iTunes. This CD has fifteen songs, with new tracks recorded in London and LA.

Beginnings are always where you will find Barry Greenfield.

A new day has arrived, Barry has partnered with multi-instrumentalist Mick Dalla-Vee to form the dream duo The Wizard Brothers. Their debut, ‘The Quiet Canadians’.

Over 200 concerts since 1999, in places as diverse as Duncan BC, Halifax, Toronto, and London, England. The story continues.