RIP Barney Ales.

[jboy88]

https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2020/04/19/barney-ales-motown-obituary/5161576002/

Thanks for all you did to help put Motown on the map and keeping the legacy going! We’ll miss you.

[marv2]

Oh no. Another pillar of Motown and Detroit music history has gone. I knew of Barney Ales before I knew of several of the Motown artists. I remember reading about how he was responsible for Motown getting their money in the early days which allowed the company to continue to grow and prosper. He was essential to Motown's operations. Rest in peace Barney. I wished I had met you, I am sure you had more stories to share than what was in your book. My condolences to his sons and the entire family.

Marv

[marv2]

From Billboard:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/obituary/9361500/motown-records-barney-ales-dead

[marv2]

Regarding Barney's book:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rg0GkaLU-s

[Roberta75]

From Miss Susaye Greene:

Susaye Greene [[https://www.facebook.com/susayegreene?__tn__=%2CdC-R-R&eid=ARD5RsTxBecPYVpUhvNRWuP9xoT8SN16UNh9DbpjyPuCgt CONQ_yCe661awzZ2xmJeI0AtT5vK9ld9eA&hc_ref=ARSyr8O2bUS0Puqu77pVSgToB3-4m2jZ23LcnfuKgtzwfiQQ738bB_GQeNOPLD6t1w0&fref=nf)

29 mins [[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157985427940619&set=a.10153630972070619&type=3) ·

“Baldassare [[Barney) Ales, a key executive at Motown Records during its 1960s heyday and later its president, has died of natural causes April 17 in Malibu, California. He was 85.”
At one of my first gigs with The Supremes, The Royal Hawaiian, in Virginia, when we arrived for rehearsal, the most beautiful bouquet of big yellow roses I had ever seen was in the dressing room for me and the card was from Barney Ales. He had remembered from a passing conversation that yellow roses were my favorite. When I thanked him at the show and asked how he remembered that, he said “I knew your favorite roses were special to you.” I never forgot that. He was quite a gentleman. May he rest in peace in heaven. Susaye Green [[https://www.facebook.com/susayegreene?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDI_x4RtU4pyDYdcSLjhPVO8IR_PCts9DUKd93uWTdDsi 3Hi_iKOZqQQCqtD_B6iK2KeW6peJ1i4DSU&fref=mentions)

[DWSheffer]

Oh boy, this is sad news to hear. I was just talking about the Ales' with a local friend of mine who's mother went to school with Barney. They have remained friends for life and they still received a Christmas card every year from Barney and Mitzi [[and Barney and Adam's book when that came out). He definitely played a major role in the Motown story, and for that I will be forever thankful. RIP sir....
Darin

[DWSheffer]

I thought it would be fitting to share this unpublished photo from my collection.....
Darin


17306

[marv2]

I thought it would be fitting to share this unpublished photo from my collection.....
Darin


17306

Nice picture. Yep, that's Barney! The shirt collar and that tie, wow, that tie! It looks like something I'd wear today. Very intense guy...I've heard. Thanks DW.

[marv2]

Esther Gordy Edwards and Barney Ales

17307

[marv2]

The Marvelettes- Gladys Horton, Barney Ales, Eddie Holland 1961

17308

[marv2]

Barney Ales and Florence Ballard. Barney co-wrote "Buttered Popcorn" for the Supremes.

17309

[marv2]

Barney at work. Check this out:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFB4Mh0K7_U

[midnightman]

Rest peacefully, Barney.

And thank you for everything.

[WaitingWatchingLookingForAChance]

Regarding Barney's book:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rg0GkaLU-s

"R&B"

...the only White employee at Motown.

Yeah, I'm nitpicking as usual!

[sophisticated_soul]

Barney Ales was an integral part of MoTown. Thank You Mr. Ales. Rest In Peace.

[Motown Eddie]

So very sorry to hear about Barney Ales. RIP.

[jaybs]

Rest in Peace Barney, what an amazing job you did for The Sound of Young America, and the Labels of Motown.

[Optimal Saint]

the conversation about who was most responsible for Motown’s success revolves mostly the artists, the songwriters/producers or the musicians [[berry is a given)

But Barney Ales and his sales team definitely should be in this conversation

If unsung ever moves away from artists to behind the scenes people he should get an episode

Also, with his given name how was his nickname not Badass Barney?

[marv2]

the conversation about who was most responsible for Motown’s success revolves mostly the artists, the songwriters/producers or the musicians [[berry is a given)

But Barney Ales and his sales team definitely should be in this conversation

If unsung ever moves away from artists to behind the scenes people he should get an episode

Also, with his given name how was his nickname not Badass Barney?

I agree. I am in the minority because I knew from way back about many of the behind the scenes personnel at Motown that made that company a success. Berry Gordy started Motown [[Tamla) because he couldn't get paid by the companies he was writing songs for or leasing his recordings to. Barney Ales went out a GOT THE MONEY! He made sure that Motown got the cash!

[TomBairdFan]

17312
[[From The Motown Scrap Book)

Barney Ales had vinyl in his veins. What a great life to have lived.

[marv2]

17312
[[From The Motown Scrap Book)

Barney Ales had vinyl in his veins. What a great life to have lived.

He most certainly did. A Detroit original and Cooley High Alumni!

[tmd]

One of the unsung hero of Motown.He really introduced white America to Motown, and were all much better for it. Thanks for all of your work behind the scenes.

[nathanj06]

To DWSheffer: Hope you don't mind a little touch up. Just something I do. Great photo.

17329

[nathanj06]

A couple more of Barney Ales.

17330

17331

[marv2]

Great work NathanJ!

[DWSheffer]

Not at all Nathanj.....that looks super!
Thanks for taking the time.
Darin

[nathanj06]

Thanks guys, a pleasure.

[marv2]

Thanks guys, a pleasure.

I hope this is not asking too much but is there any chance you could work your magic on a pic for me?

[bradburger]

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/2020/4/23/sultan-of-sales

Cheers

Paul

[marv2]

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/2020/4/23/sultan-of-sales

Cheers

Paul

Thank you Paul.

[nathanj06]

I hope this is not asking too much but is there any chance you could work your magic on a pic for me?

I would have to take a look at it marv. If you can either post it here or perhaps in a private message. Photo's have a life of their own, that's why I have to see it first and try.

[marv2]

I would have to take a look at it marv. If you can either post it here or perhaps in a private message. Photo's have a life of their own, that's why I have to see it first and try.

Thank you NathanJ. I am going to pick one out and send to you. Thank you again!

[TomatoTom123]

What a legend. :cool: RIP Barney