Glam Slam Guide

The glam-pop hit machine who gave us “Dancin’ (on a Saturday Night)” and wrote for Diana Ross, produced Heatwave, and still rocks the retro circuit!

Barry Blue (born Barry Ian Green, 12 December 1950, London) was one of the 70s’ most successful British pop writer-producers who also scored massive hits under his own name. Think bubblegum-glam with irresistible hooks, huge boots, and even bigger choruses.

The Essential Facts

• Real name: Barry Ian Green

• Breakthrough as artist: 1973–1974 (five consecutive UK Top 20 hits)

• Biggest song as writer/producer: “Boogie Nights” for Heatwave (1977 – worldwide smash)

• Other massive writing credits: Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, The Saturdays, Pixie Lott, Bananarama

  
  

The Must-Hear Hits (as artist)

1. Dancin’ (on a Saturday Night) – 1973 – UK #2The ultimate feel-good glam stomper – still a retro dance-floor killer.

2. Do You Wanna Dance? – 1973 – UK #7Pure bubblegum joy.

3. School Love – 1974 – UK #11Cheeky schoolboy crush anthem.

4. Hot Shot – 1974 – UK #23Co-written with Lynsey de Paul.

5. Miss Hit and Run – 1974 – UK #26

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Dancin’ (on a Saturday Night) – the one everyone knows

2. Do You Wanna Dance? – infectious follow-up

3. Boogie Nights (by Heatwave) – the monster he wrote & produced

4. School Love – pure teen-pop fun

5. Ooh I Do (by Lynsey de Paul) – another massive hit he co-wrote

   
   

Quick Legacy

• Sold over 50 million records worldwide as writer/producer

• Worked with legends: Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Bananarama

• Still tours the 70s revival circuit and records new material

Barry Blue = sunshine pop with platform boots. Put on “Dancin’…” and try not to move – impossible!