Barry Goldberg, Bob Dylan Collaborator and Blues-Rock Icon, Dies at 83
Los Angeles, CA - Barry Goldberg, the acclaimed blues-rock keyboardist known for his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 83.
After a decade-long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Goldberg died in hospice care surrounded by his wife of 53 years, Gail, and their son, Aram.
Goldberg's association with Dylan led to a pivotal moment in 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival. As Dylan's band for the festival, Goldberg performed alongside Michael Bloomfield, Al Kooper, and Sam Lay, igniting a storm of controversy among the audience.
Beyond his collaborations with Dylan and the Butterfield Blues Band, Goldberg played with and produced for legendary artists such as Steve Miller, Leonard Cohen, and Bobby Blue Bland. He also co-founded the Electric Flag, a psychedelic blues-rock band, in the 1960s.
Goldberg's musical contributions were not limited to live performances and studio recordings. He also produced and co-wrote songs for various artists, including Gram Parsons and Gerry Goffin. His writing credits include the Flying Burritos' "Do You Know How It Feels" and Gladys Knight & the Pips' R&B hit "I've Got to Use My Imagination."
Later in his career, Goldberg became part of the blues-rock supergroup the Rides, alongside Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Stephen Stills. The band released two No. 1 blues albums in the mid-2010s.
Goldberg's legacy extends beyond his musical accomplishments. He also served as a subject in the 2023 documentary film "Born in Chicago," which featured interviews with musicians such as Keith Richards and Bob Weir on the Chicago blues scene.
In memory of Barry Goldberg, the family encourages donations to the Bear League in his name.