At seventy-seven years, Barry Perry may have seen the passing of decades, but in the realm of music and entertainment, he's managed to preserve his youthful spirit. His life has been a journey of ups and downs, but his passion for performing and spreading joy has kept him vibrant on the inside.
Born in 1946 in Adelaide's Rose Park, Barry grew up alongside a brother and two sisters, sadly one of his sisters has since passed away. Barry's childhood wasn't the happiest, yet he carries the wisdom that everyone has a story to tell, a testament to his resilience.
In the year 2000, Barry and his first wife, Margarita, relocated to Hervey Bay, driven by her health concerns. They have two daughters who live in Adelaide but tragically Margarita, passed away in 2004, leaving Barry to face life's challenges alone. However, a new chapter opened when Barry met his second wife, Marlene, through online personals. They embarked on a four-year journey, travelling around Australia in a motorhome. Their trip concluded with a wedding ceremony in 2012, surrounded by Barry's family in Adelaide.
Barry's journey in the world of music began at a young age. At eleven, his mother enrolled him in the Royal Adelaide College of Music, where he learned to play the guitar and sang. What started as private performances for family gatherings evolved into something more when he was discovered, at the age of eighteen, by renowned Vaudeville performer Coral Gunning. Coral took Barry under her wing and introduced him to Music on Wheels, a project aimed at nurturing young talent.
During the late 1960s, Barry moved on from Music on Wheels but continued to perform informally at friend's parties.
“Music remained a constant companion in my life. I have always enjoyed the thrill of entertaining and witnessing the audience's reactions. Their foot-tapping, hand-clapping, and post-show accolades fuel my passion”.
Arthritis forced Barry to part with his guitar a few years ago, but over time he transitioned to playing the ukulele. Barry's love for entertaining and connecting with people led him to launch ‘Melodies on the Sidewalk.’ In 2020, he began performing at Master's Lodge, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. As Barry's performances gained momentum, he introduced raffles, trivia, and jokes to engage his audience.
Barry's repertoire spans from the 1940s to the 1960s, with Pat Boone's "Moody River" being one of the most requested songs. He's passionate about what he does, living for the thrill of making people laugh and smile. His dedication to his craft is evident as he explores new skills like ventriloquism and magic tricks, adding unique elements to his performances.
With eight regular performance venues, Barry is making a significant impact on his community. Marlene has now joined her husband in the spotlight and sings, she is loving the experience.
Barry's story is a testament to the idea that age is just a number, and one can find purpose and fulfilment in doing what they love. On Barry’s 70th birthday, Marlene, playfully proposed that he commemorate this milestone by getting his ear pierced. Despite Barry’s initial reluctance and apprehension, he eventually embraced the idea and went through with it, and it looks pretty good.
On the music front, Barry is still paying it forward, spreading joy, laughter, and a sense of connection among his audience, young and old alike.
Barry welcomes support from businesses willing to donate prizes to ensure his shows remain accessible to all and continue to bring smiles to the faces of his audience. If you're interested in contributing, you can reach Barry at 0422 388 761.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast
