We have lost an indelible icon of our district -- the great bass Byron 'Barry' Brown died yesterday in his home in Glen Mills, PA from a heart attack. As we all know, Barry was a prolific 4-time Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champ with the Union Jacks (1970), Baltimore & Ohio Connection (1978), Curtain Call (1983), Tradewinds (1989), and sang in many other foursomes over the years including the Barnstormers, Chesapeake Express, and Doc Holiday. Seven of Barry’s quartets competed in the international contest with no group better than the highly popular B&O Connection who placed 7th in 1978 (Cincinnati) and earned a 3rd place medal in 1979 (Minneapolis). He was a longtime member of the Dundalk Chorus of the Chesapeake and last sang with the MADAQC Chorus at the Fall District Convention in 2009. For those who were new to barbershop in the 70’s and 80’s, Barry was 'Mr. Bassman' -- the bass to emulate and aspire to. He had a deep, rich, smooth, and accurate voice to go along with his blazing red/blonde hair, huge smile, and incredibly strong handshake (a former bodybuilder). While I do not have many details about Barry’s professional life, I did read that he had a degree in business and marketing, and Diz recalled that he worked at the Baltimore News Post, was involved in computer programming for a time, and later owned his own consulting business. He was married twice, currently to Anita for many years, and has a son Barry and daughter Krissy. His brothers Jay and Kurt all sang barbershop. A number of men have paid tribute to Barry on the MADAQC Facebook page and I encourage you to share memories and reflections there as well. I do not have any details about a funeral or celebration of life, but will pass that on if I hear.
Please keep Anita, Barry’s family, and his many quartet pals in your thoughts... and maybe hum a little 'B&O Line' or 'Ride the Railroad Tonight' throughout the day in his memory. Rest in harmony.
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