Radio Legend Barry Farber Dead

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Radio Ink
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4

According to his daughter Celia Ingrid Farber, Barry Farber passed away Wednesday night at home at the age of 90.

In 1960, Farber debuted “Barry Farber’s Open Mike” on WINS/New York. Two years later, he began a 15-year run at WOR in New York as an evening and overnight host. He left in 1977 to run for New York City mayor, but returned to radio in 1978 for a decade-long run at WMCA/New York. In 1990, Farber’s show went national as part of the ABC Radio network.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. The thing to know about Barry Farber one of the two Barrys that dominated late night talk radio in NYC back in the day (the other of course was Barry Grey) is how his insights, enthusiasm, and genuine interest elevated discussion to a level where the radio listener enjoyed the conversation, no matter the topic. The listener felt included as if getting to sit in on a flowing dinner conversation with interesting people who had expertise in their field.

    This was true talk radio. The producers had to work hard because they were entrusted with gathering groups of people knowledgeable on variegated subjects five nights a week. And Farber then somehow made them all sound good. Later, and still today, talk radio devolved into a fellow or gal opining on this or that topic and then taking calls from listeners. Much easier for the producers, not bad, but no where as informative nor inviting as what Barry Farber and Barry Grey did.

    Eventually the new format was the only one available and I found Barry doing one of these himself. The good thing was that I was able to somehow get through and tell him directly about an instance on his original NYC show that highlighted for me just how good he was.

    As usual there was an energetic, captivating discussion with each participant smoothly sharing provocative, intelligent comments. And then; and then for some reason (could have been a bathroom break, an urgent phone call, or whatever) Barry had to leave for a few moments. He told his guests to carry on, he would be back shortly.

    I figured this group of intelligent people would have no problem advancing the animated discussion. Not so. It was like the air had escaped the balloon. It was practically dead air. These hitherto lively conversationalists had almost nothing to say. It was then that I realized just how good a radio talk show host Barry Farber was.

    Barry your talents and abilities gave much pleasure to myself and innumerable thousands of others. And if you can hear where you are, do know that you are still appreciated.

  2. He and his staff were very gracious when a small group of college student broadcasters were given the privilege to take over his weekend overnight show on WOR in his absence while he was trying his hand at politics running for the US House in 1970. Meeting with him at 1440 Broadway and subsequent late nights at WOR are memories I’ll always cherish. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

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