Barry White dead at 58

Jul 04, 2003 by Ian Evans

Barry White, whose deep voice and sensusal lyrics were the unofficial soundtrack to America’s bedrooms, has died of kidney failure at the age of 58.

Though his career spanned three decades, Barry didn’t win his first Grammys —for best male and traditional R&B vocal performance for the song “Staying Power.” — until 2000. Appearances on Ally McBeal and heavy sampling by rappers kept his music in front of newer audiences. Some of his biggest hits included “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything”, “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me.” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”.