AS family members and friends gathered to celebrate the life of veteran broadcaster Barrington “Barry G” Gordon, a man whose voice and vibrant spirit became a part of everyday Jamaican life, Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange reflected that though he may be gone, his voice still echoes across the nation and will live on forever in the hearts of Jamaicans.

Grange declared that Gordon was more than just a broadcaster, he was a storyteller who, through the music he played, captured the scenes of Jamaican culture, struggles, and triumphs.

“We remember you for your contribution to Jamaican music. We will remember you for your dedication to your craft as a broadcaster, and for the joy you brought to our lives. Your voice still echoes in our minds, and the songs you play will continue to uplift and inspire us. We’ll keep your spirit alive through the songs, the stories, and the impact you have on our lives,” said the minister at the thanksgiving service held at Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew on Saturday.

“The music you played bridged gaps, brought people together, and spoke to the heart of Jamaica. You left an indelible mark on our culture, and we’ll never forget it. We will carry you with us, Barry. We will carry you in our hearts and in our music. Family, friends, as we say goodbye to Barry, to Barry G, [he] will be remembered as a legendary Jamaican radio [broadcaster], one who played a significant role in promoting reggae, the songs of Jamaica, and particularly dancehall,” said Grange.

“We will remember ‘The Boogieman’,” she declared, making reference to the moniker by which Gordon was widely known during his time on air.

The remains of the veteran broadcaster were nestled in a golden urn as tributes highlighted his decades-long impact on radio and Jamaican music. Pews were adorned in purple and white for the three-and-half-hour-long thanksgiving service which featured performances by Nadine Sutherland, Carlene Davis, and Peter Lloyd, who all credited him for supporting their careers and promoting Jamaican culture globally. The Kingston College choir also paid tribute to the former student.

Eulogised by colleague and friend Helene Coley, who guided the congregation through his remarkable 50-year broadcasting career and 69 years of life, tributes poured in as mourners fondly remembered The Boogieman.

His colleague at the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), Tony Patel, shared the story behind the famed moniker as he reminisced about a young, eager Gordon who approached every assignment with passion and brought an infectious joy to his interactions, both on and off the air.

Patel recalled that JBC aired a Saturday night programme called The Boogie Man Show. When the host, Uriel Aldridge, was unavailable, Gordon said he was determined to convince the station manager that he was capable of taking over the programme — an opportunity that would help cement his legendary radio persona.

“In his usual style, Barry brought a different approach to the programme, communicating with his audience in a different way, having them calling, having them request music, and just doing things that hadn’t been tried before,” said Patel.

He recalled that one Saturday night Gordon came on air and declared, “I am the Boogie Man,” and the name never left him.

“Other broadcasters have come and gone but only a few are remembered years after they have left the scene,” said Patel, noting that Gordon’s name and legacy will live on.

His close friend and fellow disc jockey David Rodigan — one half of the famed 1985 ‘Sleng Teng’ clash alongside Barry G — recounted the first time he heard him on the radio, noting that Gordon’s exceptional talent immediately set him apart.

“He was a unique talent fuelled by an insatiable curiosity and the desire to connect with his listeners and to keep them entertained. He loved talking to them, and he loved hearing what they had to say. His razor-sharp wit and his great sense of humour were endearing qualities,” said Rodigan.

Giving meaning to the 11 letters that spell Barry Gordon, Heather Cummings described her friend and colleague as brilliant, authentic, radiant, rhythmic, youthful, genuine, original, resilient, dynamic, outstanding, and nimble.

“Your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched, and your memory will continue to inspire us all,” said Cunningham.

In paying tribute to her late husband, Josett Gordon took a quiet journey down memory lane, recalling their first meeting at a stage show in Black River, St Elizabeth, in 1987, to his death on October 29, 2025.

“Barry was a firm foundation through all the storms of my life, a strong hand to hold on to in times of stress and struggles, a true friend that I could turn to in times of good and bad. He was my greatest blessing,” said the widow.

She shared that during his illness their togetherness grew stronger and they truly gave meaning to the vows they shared on September 29, 1990.

“As his wife, I accepted my responsibility to take care of him during this difficult period of his life — for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. These moments will forever be cherished in my heart,” said Gordon.

Jaden Vegas, Gordon’s goddaughter, shared that at just 16 years old the veteran broadcaster took her under his wings, equipping and mentoring her concerning everything she would need to know about the radio and broadcasting industry as his manager. She affectionately called him Pops, sharing that he was a valiant soul who stood for the people.

“I stand on the shoulders of a man who believed in me when I did not even believe in myself. One who loved and invested time in me, giving me and Darien [Barrington’s godson] the qualities and lessons to be the woman and man you see,” Vegas said through tears.

Tributes also came from Jamaican reggae and dancehall deejay Winston Foster, better known by the stage name Yellowman, as well as the Savanna-la-Mar Baptist Church and Kirkham Baptist, where the broadcaster was baptised.

Gordon died at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland on October 29, 2025, after ailing for some time. He was 69 years old.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange signs a photo of veteran broadcaster Barrington Gordon during his thanksgiving service on Saturday.

Jamaican reggae and dancehall deejay Winston Foster, better known by the stage name Yellowman, remembered Barrington Gordon as one of the greatest voices in radio, during a thanksgiving service for the late broadcaster on Saturday.

An emotional Peter Lloyd (left), Jamaican recording artiste and friend of Barrington Gordon, embraces Gordon’s widow Josett Gordon after a musical tribute.