The Official Joe Barry Dedication Site

"Been Down That Muddy Road" is voted one of the "Best regional albums of 2003" by the New Orleans Times Picayune and Offbeat Magazine. Joe Barry was a rock ‘n roll swamp pop legend who rose from humble beginnings to international fame via his 1961 hit “I’m A Fool To Care”. In a life of extreme ups and downs, Barry tells his unique and surprising story with candid yet colorful honesty. After experiencing the harsh realities of the music business via his notorious manager Huey Meaux, his life took several different turns and he soon fell into obscurity. Over the ensuing years, he resurrected himself as a longshoreman, pimp, preacher, used-car salesman and mercenary, all the while creating music. Barry’s music is known for its swing between Cajun and swamp pop traditions, rhythm & blues, and the soul styles of New Orleans. The film captures stories from Barry before his death in 2004 and before the destruction to the area by Hurricane Katrina. It portrays a time and a place that is gone forever – the prolific 1950’s music scene of South Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Colorful characters like Dr. John contribute their stories in unique New Orleans speak. The film is a counterpart to Barry’s Night Train album, “Been Down That Muddy Road”, of which Rolling Stone says: “On this wonderful return, Barry is in old school form… singing with tender fighting soul.”