Sounds of Soulful Singer: Leonard E. Barrett Jr.

One of Denver’s favorite performers,  Leonard E. Barrett Jr., can most often be found on the main stage. But he also makes it a point to visit less thought of venues, like the Gardens at Columbine Assisted Living Community. Watch as his soulful music fills the souls of residents.

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Leonard is currently performing in the Color Purple at the Aurora Fox Theatre through May 12.

Carri: When did you first realize your talent as a singer? As an actor?

Leonard: It is funny how some things lay dormant, quiet within you, yet you know they are there. That quiet realization can sit for a long time before presenting, but you always know it was there.

I sang in Atlantic City Casino’s for many years, and made a lot of money in my 20’s and 30’s. Yet, the actual day I could call myself a singer did not appear till I was in my late 40’s/early 50’s. Although there are singing styles I prefer, it was not till I knew I could master any of them, that I called myself a singer. I will always of preference shy away from certain styles; R & B, rock, blues because they are intrinsically hard on a voice. But I can emulate them all. It was the semi opera and opera comfort that gave me the final self approval to call myself a singer. And that did not manifest till later in life.

As an actor; Again, it was always there. And I would have to say, as my dad would say, bless his soul; I started acting right out of the womb.

I have never been able to see this world as real. It has always been a stage.

The difference a good actor makes, is first a fearlessness in front of an audience. Although there are those who never lose the fear, and yet perform, I would hate to be them. Without that fearlessness, you are toast. . Second, it is a great sense and understanding of the commonality between us all. There is a common language that has nothing to do with words. The Spanish call it “sympatico”. It cannot be taught I think. Perhaps the learning of “old souls”. You know it when you see it, because it spoke volumes to you.

Carri: What is the biggest challenge or fear you have had to overcome?

Leonard: Proper use of the voice is paramount. Understanding what stresses it. There is nothing more horribly debilitating than the trauma that can assail vocal chords that have not been cared for properly. When I was in my late 30’s early 40’s I experienced this trauma as nodes on my vocal chords. I did not sing again for ten years. I just stopped. Only to find out that because I stopped singing, the nodes had disappeared! I did not know they could disappear! I had innocently done the best thing anyone with nodes can do. I stopped singing. That is not an easy thing for a singer to do. When I started singing again I was terrified. I thought the nodes would resurface again till I met Buzz Reifman of the Colorado Voice Clinic. He took one look at my vocal chords and said, “nice pipes”. The problem was no more.

It is such a small muscle structure, but when it is in trouble, OMG, it is very scary.

Carri: What is the proudest moment of your career?

It hasn’t happened yet.