Love’s Silent Song: Barry & Glodean Through Todd Gray’s Lens, 1981
Photography, Barry and Glodean White’s collaborative album, simply titled “Barry & Glodean”
Growing up, there was this one record in my mom’s collection that I couldn’t help but stare at constantly. It was Barry and Glodean White’s collaborative husband and wife album, and let me tell you, I do not remember a damn song off this album (I do remember my mom playing it all the time, though), but the cover! —oh my, oh my! is etched in my mind.
The talented Todd Gray shot the cover, a work of art. It’s a snapshot of Black excellence that speaks volumes without uttering a single note. Barry and Glodean, draped in white fur coats against a backdrop as infinite as the night sky, are the epitome of style and grace.
But what drew me in was Glodean’s hair, adorned with beads that caught the light and seemed to tell its own story. This album cover has more than just visual appeal; it represents the culture and artistry I deeply cherish.
For me, this cover isn’t merely a memory; it’s a piece of our history, reminding us of our past and the endless possibilities ahead. It symbolizes the legacy of artists like Barry and Glodean, inspiring us to admire, be inspired by, and aspire to their greatness.
So here’s to the album covers that do more than protect the vinyl—they ignite our imaginations and celebrate our heritage. And here’s to the artists who knew that their music would move us and their image would define an era of unparalleled Black excellence.
Barry's remarkable run of hits had ended by '81- I imagine he brought Glodean in to help him refine his sound a bit.