Barry G, Radio Icon Dies at Age 70

Jamaica is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved voices. Barrington “Barry G” Gordon — the legendary broadcaster whose magnetic presence and vibrant personality defined an era of Jamaican radio — died on October 29 at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland. He was 70.

His passing was confirmed by his longtime friend of five decades, Michael Chambers, who said Gordon died from pneumonia.

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared this message via Facbook:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Barrington “Barry G” Gordon, one of Jamaica’s most beloved radio personalities. Barry G’s unmistakable voice, energy, and warmth have been a constant in our homes and hearts for decades. He was a master of the airwaves and a true cultural icon who used his platform to uplift, entertain, and inspire. His legacy in broadcasting will forever be a part of Jamaica’s story. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the wider media fraternity. May his soul rest in peace and his voice continue to echo through the generations.

A Kingston College alumnus, Barry G’s radio journey began in the late 1970s at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), where his energetic delivery and deep connection with listeners quickly made him a household name. His Boogie Down Show on Saturday nights captured the pulse of Jamaica’s youth, while his weekday program, 2 to 6 Supermix, made him the island’s top disc jockey throughout the 1980s.

Known for his boundless enthusiasm and encyclopedic love of music, Barry G played everything from reggae to soul, disco, and pop — always with a uniquely Jamaican flair that kept audiences tuned in.

He achieved international fame through his electrifying “sound clashes” with British radio icon David Rodigan, starting in 1983. Those friendly battles became the stuff of legend, earning both men global recognition across reggae and dancehall scenes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

After leaving JBC in 1987, Barry G continued to dominate the airwaves on Radio Jamaica, Power 106, KLAS FM, and Hot 102. His career found new life in Montego Bay, where he spent more than a decade at Mello FM before departing in 2021.

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Jamaican culture and broadcasting, Barry G was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) in 2010.

With his passing, Jamaica has lost not just a radio giant but a cultural ambassador whose voice carried the rhythm of the island to audiences around the world.