Gene Barge was a saxophonist and producer whose talents crossed paths with generations of music icons, including Natalie Cole, Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Little Richard, and many more.
- Died: February 2, 2025 (Who else died on February 2?)
- Details of death: Died in Chicago at the age of 98.
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Gene Barge’s legacy
From the 1940s to today, Barge’s sound and influence has been a part of more music than many listeners realize. The alto and tenor saxophonist began playing jazz in college in the 1940s, and he backed future legends like Little Richard (1932–2020) and James Brown (1933–2006) before they became household names. He recorded with an array of artists through the 1950s, including Fats Domino (1928–2017) and Bo Diddley (1928–2008).
In the 1960s, Barge co-founded The Church Street Five, whose single, “A Night with Daddy G,” led to the nickname that stuck with him for the rest of his career. The track was an instrumental, and the group thought it needed vocals, so they went to Gary U.S. Bonds to provide lyrics. The song became Bonds’ 1961 hit single, “Quarter to Three.”
Barge also began working with Chess Records during that decade, both as a musician and as a producer and arranger. He ended up contributing to records by Muddy Waters (1913–1983), The Soul Stirrers, The Dells, played on “Rescue Me,” the hit 1965 single by Fontella Bass (1940–2012), and much more. When the label folded in 1971, Barge continued his collaborative work. He produced for Natalie Cole (1950–2015), winning a 1977 Grammy Award for her song “Sophisticated Lady,” and toured with The Rolling Stones in 1982.
He even developed an acting career, with brief roles in movies like “Under Siege,” “The Fugitive,” and “Above the Law.” In addition, Barge’s music has appeared on television and film, including on “House,” in “Mask,” and more.
Tributes to Gene Barge
Full obituary: Independent
