
Barry Best

After a 3 year stint with Edward Bear, Barry moved to Valdosta, Georgia in 1981 to pursue a degree in music from Valdosta State University, eventually graduating Magna Cum Laude with a minor in television production.
While in college, Barry played with jazz greats Red Rodney, Nick Brignola, Willie Thomas and Duffy Jackson. In 1993, he accepted a position with Air Force Entertainment as an arranger for their premiere entertainment troupe, Tops In Blue. In 2000 he was promoted to Music Director for Air Force Entertainment and continues in that capacity.
In addition to his work with the Air Force, Barry has produced several projects including background vocals for Lea Michele’ s performance of America The Beautiful for Superbowl XLV (at the time the most-watched event in television history) and musical arrangements for the Diamonds and the Glenn Miller Band. Additionally, Barry has written several big band arrangements recorded by the University of Nevada Jazz Ensemble, and recently signed a publishing deal with Fervor Records/Mighty Music.
Barry has also produced music for local and regional radio and television ads and independent album projects. His clients include Harvey’s Supermarkets, Turner’s Furniture, Video Warehouse and the 2018 Indie Music Channel’s Country Artist Of The Year, Ryan Daniel (winner of the Indie Music Channel’s 2018 Country Song Of The Year, “Like America,” produced by Barry and Rich Herring). Barry was nominated for the 2017 Indie Music Channel’s Producer Of The Year award, and won the Producer Of The Year award in 2018 for “Like America.” In 2019, Barry and Rich will be inducted into the Indie Music Hall of Fame.
His studio is located on a beautiful 100 acre estate in southern Georgia, which he happily shares with his lovely wife, 2 dogs, 2 cats, assorted fish and wildlife.