Barry Goldberg, the keyboardist famous for his collaboration with Bob Dylan, has died at the age of 83.
Goldberg's representatives confirmed Wednesday that Goldberg died in hospice care. According to To TMZ. The talented musician died surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife Gail and son Aram. According to TMZ, the blues-rock performer had been battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for 10 years before his death.
Musicians Barry Goldberg (left) and Harvey Mandel pose for a portrait at the Chicago Blues Festival at the Roxy Theater on August 31, 1998 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Goldberg left his mark on the American music scene in the '60s as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He is best known for playing keys for Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a pivotal time when his new electric sound debuted.
This historic performance was also highly controversial. Dylan famously expressed disappointment when he swapped his acoustic guitar for an electric one, drawing boos from the crowd. Dylan played with an electric band alongside Goldberg and was accused of betraying his signature sound. The band went even further and performed “Like a Rolling Stone” live for the first time. This song became one of the best of all time. That moment was recreated in “A Complete Unknown,” a 2024 biopic about Dylan's life. The role of George was played by actor Justin Levine.
In addition to his keyboard talent and connections with iconic stars, Goldberg was also recognized for his talent as a record producer. He worked on albums by Percy Sledge, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and The Textons. According to TMZ, he also produced Dylan's version of “People Get Ready,” which Curtis Mayfield originally wrote for the Impressions.
Goldberg briefly played in a band with Steve Miller in 1965 and appeared on Leonard Cohen's 1977 album Death of a Ladies Man. He played keys on the Ramones' album “End of the Century'' and produced the cover of Curtis Mayfield's “People Get Ready,'' which Dylan recorded for the hit film “Flashback.'' .
Fans and loved ones have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star, saying goodbye to a talented artist who left a lasting impression on the music world.
Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd paid tribute to Goldberg on social media, writing, “If you didn't know about Barry, please learn about him. He was the creator of many of the musical moments that defined rock and roll. He was involved in it,” he said. (Related article: Brazen daytime shooting reportedly claimed the life of famous rapper's son)
His family called on fans and loved ones to donate in his name. wildlife conservation charity workIn lieu of sending flowers, please join the BEAR League via SaveBears.org.
