Keith Barrow

Disco and soul singer/songwriter Keith Barrow - born in Chicago, Illinois on September 27, 1954 - was the only child of civil rights leader, human activist, and minister Rev. Willie Barrow, who was often referred to as ‘the High Priestess of Protest’. She would later be an advocate for the gay-rights movement once her son revealed his sexuality to her. As a child, he began singing gospel music, eventually forming his own gospel group, the Soul Shakers, in his teens. He released his self-titled debut album in 1973 on the independent Jewel Record label, but it failed to sell in significant numbers. In order to pursue his musical career, Keith Barrow moved to New York City, but would relocate to Los Angeles, California shortly thereafter. He signed with Columbia Records and composed the song “Teach Me (It’s Something About Love)” for the group Blue Magic, which was a minor hit for the band. Keith Barrow released his second self-titled album in 1977, but it failed to chart. His second album, Physical Attraction (1978), was produced by Michael Stokes. The album featured his most well-known track, “You Know You Want to Be Loved," which reached Number 26 on the Billboard R&B chart. Keith Barrow’s health began to decline for mysterious reasons, but he still went forward with recording his third album, Just as I Am (1980), his first for Capitol Records. After the album was released, he was diagnosed with HIV. On October 22, 1983, Keith Barrow died of AIDS-related complications.

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