Jeff Barry

Estelle Bennett (The Ronettes)

(1941 - 2009)

"All of the Ronettes are, of course, close to my heart, having recorded one of my favorite songs. Their sound was special, and Estelle was a big part of it all. She will be missed."

-Jeff Barry, February 2009

Songwriter and Producer for legendary rock 'n' roll acts including The Crystals, The Ronettes, The Shangri-Las,
The Monkees, The Archies, and many others

Songwriter's Hall of Fame inductee

Jeff Barry made an "appearance" in an Archie comic back in 1969, a page from which is now posted on the cool blog On My Mind - check it out!

Many thanks to Artie Wayne on the Web for featuring this website in his June 22, 2009 post, HAPPY DAY AFTER FATHER'S DAY - very much appreciated, Artie!

NEW CD! Do-Wah-Diddy: Words and Music by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. Click on the graphic to the left for details and to order from Amazon.com!

The Archies' first album - on CD!

Andy Kim's Steed albums

are now on CD as well

Jeff Barry has been a major force in the music business since rock and roll's Golden Era, when New York's Brill Building churned out young talent and hit records by the dozens . . . when girl groups in miniskirts and teased beehive hairdos were all the rage, and when rock and roll music was actually melodic, with lyrics young people could understand and relate to.

Jeff Barry's first Top Ten song was "Tell Laura I Love Her." Ray Peterson recorded it, and the song reached #7 on the U.S. Billboard charts in 1960, instantly propelling Jeff Barry to the status of hit songwriter. Barry would go on to write dozens of hit songs for artists such as Darlene Love, The Crystals, The Ronettes, The Shangri-La's, The Dixie Cups, Bobby Bloom, Andy Kim, Tommy James and The Shondells, Manfred Mann, The Beach Boys, and Olivia Newton-John. He'd work alongside the likes of Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Don Kirshner and Phil Spector. He'd produce for artists such as Neil Diamond, Dusty Springfield, The Drifters, The McCoys, Sha-Na-Na, John Travolta, Lisa Hartman Black, The Monkees, and The Archies. He'd compose for movies (The Idolmaker), television ("The Jeffersons," "Family Ties") and Broadway (The Boy from Oz).

This web site is a loving tribute to one of the most successful and prolific writer/producers in the history of popular music. Don "Stuffed Animal" Charles (who researched and compiled the biography and musical credits on the following pages) and Laura "Pineapple Princess" Pinto crafted this gift to the man we call The Godfather of Rock and Roll. From "I Honestly Love You" (composer) to "I'm a Believer" (producer) to "Sugar, Sugar" (both) . . . from pop songs with simple lyrics and simple melodic lines to country/western, gospel and reggae. . . to the joyful sounds of hands clapping, the frenzied shaking of tambourines and the infectious rhythms of a steel drum . . . Jeff Barry's role in 20th century music cannot be overstated, and his influence in our everyday lives is indisputable.

DISCLAIMER: While a fair amount of the content presented here was compiled expressly for this site, we have also included essays on Jeff Barry that have been previously published (in magazines and/or on web sites), as well as some material that had previously been written in contemplation of publication. Although all material has been exhaustively researched and to the best of our knowledge is factually accurate, the opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect those of Jeff Barry or Jeff Barry International. All the content on this site is presented for information and entertainment purposes only.

Bear Family Records presents Tell Laura I Love Her, a collection of Ray Peterson's RCA and Dunes masters. Included on the 31-track CD are two composed by Jeff Barry - the title cut, "Tell Laura I Love Her," Jeff's first hit as a songwriter; and "Give Us Your Blessings," which was later recorded by The Shangri-La's. Ray's emotional renditions of both songs will move all but the most jaded listeners to tears! The digipac includes a 44-page booklet featuring a biography by Johnny Vallis (generously sprinkled with quotes from Jeff and from Ray's widow, Claudia Peterson); rare photos; and a discography by Richard Weize.

Check out the Jeff Barry Blog