Barry White was a singer/songwriter/producer/orchestra conductor who’s baritone voice and sensual lyrics made him a pop icon. White was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944 in Galveston TX and raised in Los Angeles. He immersed himself in music at an early age. He released several singles in the 1960s under the name Barry Lee and as a member of the Upfronts, the Atlantics and the Majestics as well. He found greater success guiding the careers of others including Felice Taylor and Viola Wills. In 1969, White formed the female vocal group Love Unlimited, which consisted of Diane Taylor, Glodean James (whom he would eventually marry), and her sister Linda. The group went on to top the charts with the single “Walking In The Rain With The One I Love”, which White produced. This success helped propel White’s solo career. He went on to top the pop/R&B charts with such hits as “I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby”, “I’ve Got So Much To Give” and “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything”. He also formed the Love Unlimited Orchestra, which backed him and Love Unlimited during concerts. The orchestra went on to top the pop charts with “Love’s Theme”. Although White’s chart hits waned at the end of the 1970s, he continued to thrill concert audiences. White went on to earn several gold and platinum records for worldwide sales. In May 2003, White suffered a stroke while waiting for a kidney transplant, which was needed due to complications from years of chronic high blood pressure. He died on July 4, 2003 in Los Angeles.