Len Barry

Len Barry, a blue-eyed soul vocalist, notched multiple early-’60s successes both during his time with Dovells and afterward as a solo performer. Philadelphia-born in 1942, he first appeared on record as lead singer of the Boss-Tones’ 1958 single “Mope-Itty Mope.” In 1957 he assembled the lineup that evolved into Dovells and contributed vocals to the group’s Top Ten singles “The Bristol Stomp” and “You Can’t Sit Down.” Late in 1963 he left the act and quickly secured a solo contract with Decca. His 1965 release “1-2-3” climbed to a near-chart-topping peak, yet shifting musical tastes allowed only two further Top 40 entries: the early-1966 follow-ups “Like a Baby” and “Somewhere,” the latter drawn from West Side Story. Barry maintained his lively stage presence while also turning to record production in later years.