Barry White is best remembered for his deep, soulful voice and iconic love ballads like Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe and You’re the First, the Last, My Everything. But his journey to fame was far from glamorous. Barry White rose from humble beginnings, overcoming obstacles and family secrets along the way. His son recently shared some long-standing rumors and surprising truths about his father’s legacy. Let’s take a look at White’s path to stardom, the hardships he endured, and the revelations that have surfaced in recent years.

Barry White’s Rough Childhood

Barry White, born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, grew up in a challenging environment. His parents, Melvin White and Sadie Marie Carter, were never married, and Barry initially took his mother’s last name. He later chose to use his father’s surname.

Raised in the tough Watts neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, Barry was the eldest of two, with his brother Daryl close in age. Music was an essential part of his upbringing, as his mother’s classical record collection sparked his interest and led him to learn piano. By age 11, rumors circulated that Barry had played piano on Jessie Belvin’s 1956 single, Goodnight My Love. White later dismissed these as exaggerations, though the experience highlighted his early dedication to music.

Voice Transformation and Adolescent Troubles

White attended Jacob A. Riis High School, where his voice transformed around the age of 13 or 14 from a boyish high pitch to the rich, resonant baritone that would make him famous. He vividly remembered the moment, saying, “It scared me and my mother… My chest rattled with vibrations.” His mother’s tearful smile made him realize the significance of this change—it was a defining moment, and White saw it as a passage into manhood.

Despite his unique voice, White’s teenage years were filled with hardship. In his autobiography, Love Unlimited: Insights on Life and Love, he described his turbulent youth in a cramped house where he and his brother, Daryl, got involved in local gangs.

Reflecting on this, White said, “I’m an ex-gangbanger; I come from Southeast L.A. I didn’t only hear about the 1965 riots; I was in it.” The gang life took a tragic toll when White’s brother, his best friend and closest confidant, was shot and killed in 1983. White described his brother as his “night” to his “day” and noted the impact this loss had on his life.

White was briefly jailed at age 16 for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires—a significant crime for a teenager, with today’s value equating to around $310,000. During his four-month jail term, White heard Elvis Presley’s It’s Now or Never on the radio, sparking a turning point in his life. He later attributed this experience to shifting his focus and finding a new purpose in music.

Finding His Way to Hollywood

After his release from jail, White decided to leave his gang life and pursue a music career. He took an unconventional first step by skipping school on his 18th birthday to head to Hollywood, where he spent hours observing Capitol Records’ headquarters, captivated by the industry’s allure. Although he lacked formal training, White’s determination to break into music was unwavering.

Initially, his journey was full of setbacks. As a singer and songwriter, White recorded singles under his name, backed by groups like The Atlantics and The Majestics, but his work went largely unnoticed. Undeterred, he persisted in honing his skills, learning the ins and outs of the industry by collaborating with small independent labels. By 1965, he had made a mark by producing Feel All Right for the Bel-Cantos, showing early signs of his talent as a producer and arranger.

During this period, he collaborated with Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records as an A&R man, working with a range of artists, including Viola Wills and the Bobby Fuller Four. He also co-wrote and arranged songs for singer Felice Taylor, including hits like I Feel Love and Come On, which found success in the UK. These experiences laid the groundwork for White’s growing reputation and future achievements.

Love Unlimited and the Path to Success

The early 1970s marked a pivotal phase in Barry White’s career. In 1972, he discovered and produced a girl group called Love Unlimited, inspired by the success of The Supremes. The group included White’s future wife, Glodean James, her sister, Linda James, and their cousin, Diane Taylor. With the help of White’s friend, Paul Politi, they were introduced to businessman Larry Nunes, who played a crucial role in financing their debut album, From a Girl’s Point of View We Give to You… Love Unlimited.

White’s hard work paid off with the release of Walking in the Rain with the One I Love, a soulful ballad that climbed the charts to become his first million-selling single, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. This track marked his first commercial success, and the album’s reception cemented White’s place as a rising force in the music industry.

White continued his work with Love Unlimited and soon formed the Love Unlimited Orchestra, solidifying his status in the music world. The orchestra’s instrumental hit, Love’s Theme, became another major success, further establishing White’s influence and impact.

Personal Struggles Amidst Professional Success

While White’s career was taking off, he faced personal struggles, including a separation from his first wife, Mary. Despite the challenges, White’s music continued to thrive. His collaborations with 20th Century Records brought greater visibility and reach, though the industry’s demands were often relentless.

By the mid-70s, White became synonymous with romantic, soulful ballads that captivated audiences worldwide. Albums like Can’t Get Enough and Just Another Way to Say I Love You showcased his rich, deep voice and sophisticated orchestrations. White’s ability to convey emotion made him a household name, and his songs became enduring classics.

Legacy and Later Revelations

Though White’s fame soared in the 70s and beyond, his life was also marked by health issues. He battled high blood pressure for years, eventually leading to kidney failure. He passed away on July 4, 2003, but left a lasting legacy that continues to influence musicians and fans alike.

Recently, White’s son came forward with revelations that shed new light on his father’s life and career. He confirmed some long-standing rumors about White’s complex personal life and struggles, presenting a fuller picture of the man behind the music. These insights add depth to White’s legacy, showing him as a figure who faced significant challenges and hardships yet rose to remarkable success. Barry White’s journey reminds us of the power of resilience and the enduring appeal of a voice that could speak to love and longing like no other.