The music therapy community lost an influential presence last week with the passing of “Bongo” Barry Bernstein. I never had the chance to meet him but his work and collaboration with some of my mentors means he had an influence on me. From what I hear, “Bongo” Barry had a good heart, a “zest for life,” and a passion for music and for people.
If you are interested in reading more about “Bongo” Barry, you can:
- Visit his business website, “Healthy Sounds: Where wellness sounds good“
- Read his obituary.
- Read an article the Kansas City Star wrote about him.
Requiescat in pace.
orcid.org/0000-0001-8665-1493
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s heartbreaking. I was able to attend a workshop he did in my undergrad and it was fantastic!
That’s all I’ve ever heard about Barry. I wish I could have met him, but I know his work influences mine – and countless others as well!
I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find one of Bongo Berry’s CD’s. I have one that I have used in my classroom for years, but it has broken and I cannot find another.
I loved barry wen i wuz n the 1st & 7th grade….. my favorite songs were I am a bright light and the temple of my heart.
I saw the post about Bongo Barry. I have a Bongo Barry CD. I am not sure if it is what you are looking for, but is was going to be thrown away, and I saved it for my niece and nephew and put it on my computer. I noticed that these posts are kinda old so I am not sure if anyone is still interested. If so let me know. I am in Kansas. Thank you, Amanda.
Barry and I became friends in Denver, Colorado in 1976. We played music together in downtown parks for others (Barry playing ukulele, with me on guitar). He introduced me to the music of Thelonius Monk, and others of the Beat generation. We were great friends, traded stories, and enjoyed many fine times together.
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