Len Barry stood out in the early 1960s music scene with his smooth voice, catchy melodies, and crossover appeal. From his start with The Dovells to his solo hits like “1-2-3” and “Like a Baby,” Barry brought blue-eyed soul to the mainstream. His career had ups and downs, but he remained a vital figure in American pop and soul music.
Here’s a closer look at the man behind the voice.
| Real Name | Leonard Borisoff |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Len Barry |
| Birthdate | June 12, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Genres | Blue-eyed soul, Pop, R&B |
| Notable Group | The Dovells |
| Famous Songs | “1-2-3”, “Like a Baby”, “Somewhere”, “Bristol Stomp” |
| Labels | Decca, RCA Victor, Buddah, Cameo/Parkway, Mercury, Scepter, Amy |
| Years Active | 1958–2000s |
Early Life and Military Service
Len Barry was born Leonard Borisoff in West Philadelphia. He grew up in a culturally diverse neighborhood that would later influence his music. After high school, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. There, he often sang with the Coast Guard band, entertaining troops and honing his vocal style.
Encouraged by fellow servicemen, Barry returned to Philadelphia with a dream of making it in music.
Rise with The Dovells
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Barry’s professional career began with The Dovells, a doo-wop group that formed in the late 1950s. Their breakout hit, “Bristol Stomp,” became a massive success in 1961. The single hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.
The Dovells followed up with hits like:
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“You Can’t Sit Down” (No. 3, Billboard Hot 100)
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“Hully Gully Baby” (1962)
Their energetic style made them regulars on shows like American Bandstand and favorites among teen audiences.
Going Solo: The Launch of Len Barry
In 1963, Barry left The Dovells to start a solo career. His first solo single, “Lip Sync,” released by Decca Records in 1965, reached only No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. But his next release would change everything.
“1-2-3” was released later that year and became a smash hit. It soared to No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 3 in the U.K. The upbeat soul-pop tune captured audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Co-written with John Madara and David White (of Danny & The Juniors), the song sold over 1.75 million copies worldwide and earned another gold disc.
Barry followed up with two more U.S. hits in 1966:
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“Like a Baby” – No. 27 U.S., No. 10 U.K.
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“Somewhere” – No. 26 U.S.
Struggles and Label Changes
After these hits, Barry never again reached the same level of commercial success. Despite signing with various labels—RCA Victor, Buddah, Mercury, Cameo/Parkway, and others—his singles failed to chart significantly.
Still, he continued recording and experimenting with musical styles, including funk and soul. Songs like:
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“Jim Dandy”
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“Don’t Come Back”
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“Little White House”
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“Bullseye”
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“Funky Night”
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“Rainy Side of the Street”
…highlight his willingness to evolve, even if the charts didn’t reflect it.
Behind the Scenes: Producer and Songwriter
Len Barry didn’t limit himself to performing. In the late 1970s and 1980s, he transitioned into songwriting and production. He worked with WMOT (We Men of Talent) Productions in Philadelphia.
There, he co-wrote and helped produce:
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“Zoom” – a hit for Fat Larry’s Band
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“Love Town” – performed by Booker Newberry III
Both songs became popular in the U.K. and U.S. soul/dance scenes.
Barry’s behind-the-scenes work introduced his sound to a new generation and showcased his versatility as an artist.
A Turn Toward Literature
In 2008, Barry published a semi-autobiographical novel titled Black-Like-Me (not to be confused with the 1961 book by John Howard Griffin). His version follows the story of a white man growing up in a predominantly Black neighborhood—mirroring Barry’s own upbringing.
The book reflected themes of race, identity, and empathy, topics that had long shaped his worldview and musical choices.
Personal Interests and Later Work
In the late 1960s, Barry developed an interest in Native American culture. This inspired his 1969 single “Keem-O-Sabe,” an instrumental track with tribal influences released under The Electric Indian project. The song reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Though not as widely known, Barry continued to write, record, and perform throughout the 1970s and beyond.
Some of his lesser-known but notable songs include:
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“The Moving Finger Writes”
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“Let’s Do It Again”
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“Just the Two of Us”
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“You’re My Picasso, Baby”
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“I Like the Way”
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“Would I Love You”
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“This Old World”
These tracks—some released under smaller labels or as indie recordings—demonstrated his continued passion for music.
Legacy
Though his commercial peak was brief, Len Barry’s contributions to soul and pop music remain noteworthy. “1-2-3” is still considered one of the most iconic examples of blue-eyed soul. His work with The Dovells and as a solo artist helped bridge racial divides in music during the 1960s.
He performed with authenticity and heart, whether singing doo-wop, soul, or funk.
Final Thoughts
Len Barry may not have sustained chart-topping fame, but his impact on American pop and soul is clear. His voice left a mark on both the radio waves and the hearts of fans worldwide.
Even in his later years, Barry stayed connected to the world of music, literature, and performance—proof that a true artist never stops creating.