By Kareem LaTouche
I remember the day I heard the news, a hollow echo that seemed to travel across the island, just hours after the worst of the storm had passed. It was October 29, 2025. Barrington “Barry G” Gordon, the legendary broadcaster, had passed away at 70, in Westmoreland, due to complications from pneumonia. It felt especially cruel, coming so soon after Hurricane Melissa had battered the western parishes. The same day we were assessing the damage, the nation lost a piece of its heart. The “Boogie Man” was gone.
The Voice of a Giant
Barry G, a cultural icon whose fame crossed borders, was probably Jamaica’s most famous radio presenter. He possessed a dynamic style and an energetic personality, all delivered with a signature deep, smooth voice that defined an era—specifically the 1980s. He could successfully transfer his entire personality through the airwaves.
Physically, he had a small stature, standing around 5’5”, but the moment he spoke, his voice filled the room—a giant in sound. He had a meticulous technique; I often heard he mastered the art of breathing while presenting, usually standing in the radio booth instead of sitting, which allowed his words to flow fluently and uninterrupted. It’s a technical detail most people would miss, but it speaks volumes about the man’s commitment to his craft.
He started his career in 1975 at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) shortly after graduating from Kingston College. He quickly rose to fame with the wildly popular Saturday night “Boogie Down Show” and the weekday “2 to 6 Supermix”, which cemented him as the number one DJ in Jamaica throughout most of the 1980s. My personal favorite segment was always the ‘riddle of the day.’ That tradition of the larger-than-life Jamaican radio personality, dating back to the days of Rediffusion in the mid-1900s with names like Don Topping, Marie Garth, Charlie Babcock, and Neville Willoughby, was taken to a higher level by Barry G.
Shaping Culture and Launching Stars
The reach of his influence extended far beyond the microphone. He was instrumental in helping to shape the early dancehall and reggae music scene. Artistes like Yellowman and Beenie Man owe a part of their success to his platform. Barry G was one of the persons who introduced a young, then five-year-old Beenie Man to local sound system operators, setting him on the path to stardom. His impact was so profound he was immortalised in Rankin Toyan’s 1982 hit song, “Spar With Me.”
His famous on-air “sound system clashes” with British radio icon David Rodigan were legendary. These weren’t just simple segments; they were high-stakes, globally-recognized events that elevated the international profile of Jamaican radio and our homegrown music culture. And for history’s sake, he was the last local personality to interview Bob Marley before his passing in 1981—a poignant piece of Jamaican cultural history he carried.
He also laid the groundwork for the next generation. Younger broadcasters like Ron Muschette, DJ Bambino, and Miss Kitty inherited a broadcasting landscape that Barry G had expanded, refined, and made fiercely competitive and globally relevant.
A Man of Resilience and Faith
After leaving JBC in 1987, his voice was still heard across the dial at major stations like Radio Jamaica, Power 106, Hot 102, KLAS FM, and Mello FM. In 2010, the nation formally recognized his impact on broadcasting by awarding him Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer, one of our nation’s highest honors.
Barry G’s commitment to service also took a personal turn. Following a stroke in 2007, from which he made a strong recovery, he founded the Barry G Foundation to promote healthy lifestyles and give back to the community. He was often heard from his radio base in western Jamaica, giving health advice that included natural remedies that can benefit the body. His spiritual journey culminated on July 14, 2022, when the ‘Boogie Man’ was baptized at the Kirkham Baptist Church in George’s Plain, Westmoreland, happy to give his heart to Jesus Christ.
It’s sobering to recall that only five years ago, the Jamaican community was taken aback by false news of his death, a claim he rubbished himself with a video, declaring he was “alive and kicking.” This time, sadly, the news is true.
A Fading Generation
With his passing, we are reminded of the recent losses that have changed the face of Jamaican broadcasting. Over the past six years, the airwaves have grown quieter with the loss of giants like Dorraine Samuels, Barbara Gloudon, Allan Magnus, and François St Juste. These were voices that held the country together, informed our days, and made us laugh.
Upon hearing the news, the Minister of Culture and Entertainment, Olivia Grange stated, “My sincerest condolences to his family, relatives, friends, associates, and fans and to the radio broadcasting community.” It is a genuine sentiment, one that resonates deeply with those of us who grew up with his smooth, reassuring voice. The generation of true radio titans is fading, leaving behind an indelible blueprint for all who follow.
Thank you, Barry G. Rest well, Boogie Man.
What is your fundest memory of Barry G, let us know in the comment section below.
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