Barry Cloyd

When it comes to working as a professional artist, the secret to success isn’t “rocket science,” says Barry Cloyd. “It’s just commitment.” Trust him—this guy knows what he’s talking about. The Peoria-based singer/songwriter/storyteller/multi-instrumentalist has spent the past 14 years traveling the world, making music, building a successful arts career, and loving life while doing it all. Between playing regular gigs on the Spirit of Peoria and bringing history to life alongside his business partner and confidant Brian “Fox” Ellis through Prairie Folklore Theatre, Cloyd has managed to write upwards of 400 songs, record nine CDS, perform some 200 shows annually, and make a decent living at it. He’s played cities from Chicago to Blarney, Ireland; jammed with the likes of Chris Hillman, Marty Sammon and The Carter Brothers Band; contributed his talents to more than 300 TV commercials and 70 industrial films; and recently landed an international endorsement deal with Recording King Guitars.

But before he could fulfill his lifelong dream of “making it” as a musician, it took an unexpected job loss and divorce to push the former sales & marketing VP into taking a leap of faith and launching his own business, Barry Cloyd Productions. iBi recently caught up with the free-spirited folk artist to talk business, music and how losing everything turned into “the best thing that ever happened” to him.

When did you first discover your love for music and the arts?
I was six years old… I picked up the guitar, and it felt like I could play it from the very beginning. I really don’t remember learning. I just remember playing. I took lessons for two years, and my teacher told my dad, “I can’t teach him anything more. I’m done. He knows where the changes come, he knows what the chords are, he knows how to keep the rhythm…” I credit my mom with that, because in order to know that kind of thing innately, I had to get it from somewhere… She just loved music, and that love came through. That was pretty much it. Once I started playing guitar, I never really wanted to do anything else.

Tells us a little about your background and upbringing.
My mom was a jazz singer; she had her own radio show when she was in college. My dad was not really musical, but there was music in his family, and [he] was a design engineer for Caterpillar… He was an artist in his own right and very logical, very logical. And I love logic. It’s kind of a weird dichotomy for a musician to be logical, because normally we’re not… I got a lot of that from my dad… My grandma on my mom’s side was a touring opera singer. She was a diva from a young age, like 12 years old. Her dad, my great-grandfather, managed, booked and ran an opera company... My brother’s a drummer. He’s retired from Cat, he’s the president of the school board, and… he still plays a little bit… So we had music all the time going on in the house growing up.

It goes way back in my family, and my parents were very encouraging, my mom in particular… I wrote my first song when I was nine. It was a dorky little love song, which I knew nothing about… but she sent it away and had the damn thing copyrighted. I was nine. It was really neat! I thought I was a big shot… but it was really a very nice way to be supportive. And they bought me some very good instruments… I still have one of them—a 1967 Martin D12-35 12-string… And they always came to see me.

You started performing at the age of nine. What kind of gigs were you booking?
The first gig I ever did—I’ll never forget it—was at a horse auction/horse barn show in Goodfield… I have no idea how they got my name, but I got 50 bucks—that was lot of money for a nine-year-old! That’s pretty sweet! I played for a half hour… and I sang everything I could think about related to horses.

After that, I started to do little things. I got into theatre, I was in the army for a while… After I came back I… did a lot of Corn Stock and [Peoria] Players stuff, and that was really valuable… You get to learn about all kinds of stagecraft, and it doesn’t cost you anything except your time. And you get to have a good time. I’m really a supporter of that kind of beginning for people—to get into community theatre and learn how to be on stage, learn how to entertain. It’s not all about standing up there and singing songs; it’s about entertaining. That’s a whole other discipline, and that’s something nobody teaches you—you’ve got to figure that one out on your own.

How did you get into sales and marketing?
I think your personality puts you into sales and marketing. My mom would probably slap me if she heard me tell you this, but my mom had bad teeth… She had to have dentures … [When I was younger,] I was charging kids a nickel to see her dentures, and I had them lined up down the driveway! So I’ve been selling stuff all my life.

I think personality drives you into it, and I was always one to not be afraid to stand up in front of people and talk. I used - Inter Business Issues

BARRY CLOYD
Living his Dream!

By – Celeste Kuiper Kelley

There’s something about the look on his face when he plays one of the guitars he is so in love with, and the way his eyes are lit from inside says it all. This man is living his dream. He’s been all about his music since he was 6, but it was only 12 years ago that he said yes to the dream. As in wholeheartedly – with a commitment as long and as clear as any whole note he ever sang.

Barry Cloyd is a singer, song-writer, multi-instrumentalist, historian, and theatrical performer. He tours the world with his guitar and his voice, primarily as a solo artist. Ireland. Baja. New Orleans. Peoria. Chicago. Gilman. England, Wales, and the Caribbean. And everywhere he goes, he gathers more fans. Barry also fronts a duo called “Clones”, and a band named “Celtricity”, a jam band/fusion group that weaves together the genres of Folk, Celtic, Blues, Roots, World and Barry’s original music. He also co-founded a touring theatre company which creates and produces original musical theatre based on the history of the Prairie and Great Lakes States with friend, Brian “Fox” Ellis, of Prairie Folklore Theatre.

His style is unique and all his own. It’s a blend of the blues he loves so much, with genres of Folk, Celtic, Original and Roots music. Barry admits to being open to influence, especially of those who came before. “I try not to copy people, and I try always to be true to what’s coming from inside.” One important influence is Dan Fogelberg. “We used to double date in high school,” he quipped. “Dan was a brilliant singer and songwriter.” Barry was one of the forces behind creating the annual Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concert and returns each year to be a part of it. He loves to sing. He loves to play. And he really loves to compose. Most of the material in his performances is his own. “I love music with a past and I love to combine genres of music, like tribal based music, with a heartbeat that drives it all.”

When he performs, it’s quite obvious he’s in another world. And yet, he connects with his audience with a fun, easy banter back and forth - no matter where in the world he is. “This is where I am the happiest. On a stage. Singing and playing my music for people, trying to give enough to make them happy. Live performance is the ultimate musical experience – for the artist and audience both.” Make no mistake, this is hard work. Barry’s mastery of music and of his many stringed instruments is remarkable and has taken decades of practice. He’s kind, he’s humble, and seems not to have ever met a stranger, and I suppose it is really these qualities that invite his audiences in. Well, and the music! His voice is at once soulful and joyful, his songs are his own and he gives them with a rare kind of confident abandon. He does make his audiences happy.

Barry’s lifelong love affair with music began at age 6, when he had his first guitar lesson. “I wrote my first song when I was 9. My Mother was a musician and she had it copyrighted for me.” He laughs with a catch in his throat, “My Mom taught me how to sing harmony standing at the kitchen sink while we were doing dishes. Every day, we’d stand at that sink and sing.”

Barry’s come a long way since the days of singing at the kitchen sink. He records in Nashville, in the company of some of the all time greats in the music industry. The Carter brothers (as in Johnny Cash’s in-laws), members of Amy Grant’s, Stephen Stills’ and Emmy Lou Harris’ bands.

MORE
Barry Cloyd
Page 2


Barry's latest CD, Spirit Dance, is an all original CD featuring 11 of his newer songs. The title and cover are taken from a painting he did after his own “vision quest”, the Native American spiritual journey. Spirit Dance can be purchased through CDBaby.com and ITunes, as well as two of his earlier CD’s, Rainmaker’s Garden and The Wind and The Water. He’s currently working on his 10th CD. Perhaps as exciting for a guy who loves guita - Vigore magazine Chicago, IL

BARRY CLOYD
Living his Dream!

By – Celeste Kuiper Kelley

There’s something about the look on his face when he plays one of the guitars he is so in love with, and the way his eyes are lit from inside says it all. This man is living his dream. He’s been all about his music since he was 6, but it was only 12 years ago that he said yes to the dream. As in wholeheartedly – with a commitment as long and as clear as any whole note he ever sang.

Barry Cloyd is a singer, song-writer, multi-instrumentalist, historian, and theatrical performer. He tours the world with his guitar and his voice, primarily as a solo artist. Ireland. Baja. New Orleans. Peoria. Chicago. Gilman. England, Wales, and the Caribbean. And everywhere he goes, he gathers more fans. Barry also fronts a duo called “Clones”, and a band named “Celtricity”, a jam band/fusion group that weaves together the genres of Folk, Celtic, Blues, Roots, World and Barry’s original music. He also co-founded a touring theatre company which creates and produces original musical theatre based on the history of the Prairie and Great Lakes States with friend, Brian “Fox” Ellis, of Prairie Folklore Theatre.

His style is unique and all his own. It’s a blend of the blues he loves so much, with genres of Folk, Celtic, Original and Roots music. Barry admits to being open to influence, especially of those who came before. “I try not to copy people, and I try always to be true to what’s coming from inside.” One important influence is Dan Fogelberg. “We used to double date in high school,” he quipped. “Dan was a brilliant singer and songwriter.” Barry was one of the forces behind creating the annual Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concert and returns each year to be a part of it. He loves to sing. He loves to play. And he really loves to compose. Most of the material in his performances is his own. “I love music with a past and I love to combine genres of music, like tribal based music, with a heartbeat that drives it all.”

When he performs, it’s quite obvious he’s in another world. And yet, he connects with his audience with a fun, easy banter back and forth - no matter where in the world he is. “This is where I am the happiest. On a stage. Singing and playing my music for people, trying to give enough to make them happy. Live performance is the ultimate musical experience – for the artist and audience both.” Make no mistake, this is hard work. Barry’s mastery of music and of his many stringed instruments is remarkable and has taken decades of practice. He’s kind, he’s humble, and seems not to have ever met a stranger, and I suppose it is really these qualities that invite his audiences in. Well, and the music! His voice is at once soulful and joyful, his songs are his own and he gives them with a rare kind of confident abandon. He does make his audiences happy.

Barry’s lifelong love affair with music began at age 6, when he had his first guitar lesson. “I wrote my first song when I was 9. My Mother was a musician and she had it copyrighted for me.” He laughs with a catch in his throat, “My Mom taught me how to sing harmony standing at the kitchen sink while we were doing dishes. Every day, we’d stand at that sink and sing.”

Barry’s come a long way since the days of singing at the kitchen sink. He records in Nashville, in the company of some of the all time greats in the music industry. The Carter brothers (as in Johnny Cash’s in-laws), members of Amy Grant’s, Stephen Stills’ and Emmy Lou Harris’ bands.

MORE
Barry Cloyd
Page 2


Barry's latest CD, Spirit Dance, is an all original CD featuring 11 of his newer songs. The title and cover are taken from a painting he did after his own “vision quest”, the Native American spiritual journey. Spirit Dance can be purchased through CDBaby.com and ITunes, as well as two of his earlier CD’s, Rainmaker’s Garden and The Wind and The Water. He’s currently working on his 10th CD. Perhaps as exciting for a guy who loves guita - Vigore magazine Chicago, IL

A combo of nationally known folk singer Barry Cloyd plus local musicians Ken Bradbury, Stephanie Soltermann and Rob Killam will headline the evening of sing-along music. - Oct 20, 2011 by JOURNAL-COURIER

A combo of nationally known folk singer Barry Cloyd plus local musicians Ken Bradbury, Stephanie Soltermann and Rob Killam will headline the evening of sing-along music. - Oct 20, 2011 by JOURNAL-COURIER

· ON A SONG by Barry Cloyd is a beautifully sung song about getting along with what comes your way in this life.

Joan Blessington Snyder
- NeuroTalk

· ON A SONG by Barry Cloyd is a beautifully sung song about getting along with what comes your way in this life.

Joan Blessington Snyder
- NeuroTalk

"Barry Cloyd has once again dived deeply into the soul of mankind with his new release, Spirit Dance. Song after song attest to Cloyd's title as the Troubadour of the American Heartland. With each new re-imagining of his folk/pop musical stylings, he blazes new lyrical and melodic trails."
----KB reviews
- KB reviews

“Barry Cloyd’s voice is the voice of the Illinois River as witnessed in his newest recording, Spirit Dance…the early morning fog, the ghosts that still haunt the river, the wildness that will not be stolen away by our modern world, the melodies that draw a direct and haunting line between our past and the present.”
One sweet piece of art...congrats. - Ken Bradbury, Author, Playwright, Journalist, Award-Winning Humorist

“Barry Cloyd’s voice is the voice of the Illinois River as witnessed in his newest recording, Spirit Dance…the early morning fog, the ghosts that still haunt the river, the wildness that will not be stolen away by our modern world, the melodies that draw a direct and haunting line between our past and the present.”
One sweet piece of art...congrats. - Ken Bradbury, Author, Playwright, Journalist, Award-Winning Humorist

PEORIA — Local singer/ songwriter Barry Cloyd will introduce his ninth album, "Spirit Dance," to the public with a show at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Forest Park Nature Center.

Cloyd says the album has a Native American flavor, and some of the 11 original pieces were inspired as he traveled to New Mexico in 2008 and again in 2010 to attend a Dan Fogelberg tribute.

One song, "Silver Train," was born on the train ride out. After boarding in Galesburg, he hurtled west with his guitar.

"I was hanging out by myself, faced into the corner, trying to be unobtrusive to the other passengers," he said. "The conductor came by, then got on the mike and says, 'hey, there's a guy singing in here.' So it became an impromptu performance."

The title track, "Spirit Dance," was inspired by the beauty of the landscape that Cloyd took in during hikes into New Mexico's Chaco Canyon and Canyon deChelly.

"Those hikes gave me a real insight and symbolism into the Native American people," he said.

"Spirit Dance" is about the tribal tradition of sending a young man into the wilderness to live on his own for several days in order for him to find direction in his life.

Cloyd, who plays 200 shows a year across the nation, said he's looking forward to the Forest Park Nature Center performance, which is part of the park's monthly Songs from the Woods series.

"(The nature center) has a special place in my heart," Cloyd said. "The crowds are always great, they are there because they want to listen. It's a true Americana show."

Performing with Cloyd will be T.J. Jones, Tony Crowe and Bruce Bergethon, who make up the band Celtricity.

Copies of "Spirit Dance" will be available at the show, by emailing Cloyd at Barryc1025@aol.com, or by visiting his website, BarryCloyd.com.

Danielle Hatch can be reached at 686-3262 or dhatch@pjstar.com. Read more at blogs.pjstar.com/thebuzz/, and follow her on Twitter at @danielle_hatch.



If you go

- What: Barry Cloyd and friends perform at Songs from the Woods series, which will also serve as a CD release party for Cloyd's ninth album, "Spirit Dance."

- When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.

- Where: Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Drive, Peoria.

- Admission: $7 for the public, $6 for members and children 12 and younger. Reservations recommended; call 686-3360.

- Website: barrycloyd.com.


- PJStar Newspaper

Barry Cloyd to present "Knights in Armor, Their Lives and Times"

Share4 Posted Online: June 29, 2011, 2:32 pm

Press release submitted by The Princeton Public Library

Singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd is coming back to The Princeton Public Library on July 5. In April he wowed a standing room only audience with his program "Carl Sandburg: Poet of the People," and library patrons have been requesting his return ever since.

As part of the Midsummer Knight's Read, Big Read programs, Cloyd will present "Knights in Armor, Their Lives and Times." Through the persona of a medieval troubadour named Bernart de Ventadour, Barry Cloyd, through story and song, will bring the Middle Ages to life with tales of the legacy of Rome, the origins of knighthood, feudalism, castles, kings and weaponry. Sprinkled in this mix is a generous portion of original music (written by Cloyd) and period songs played on various stringed instruments. The stories and songs of Merlin and King Arthur, Richard the Lionhearted and the Crusades, and William the Conqueror and the battle of Hastings in 1066 are also brought to life.

Cloyd is a Midwestern based, full-time touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and educator who has spent a lifetime creating a performance style that weaves the genres of Celtic, Blues, Folk and Roots music into a unique blend all his own. In addition, Barry has toured Ireland, England and Wales and much of the U.S. He is a co-founder of Prairie Folklore Theatre, a touring theatre company which creates and produces original musical theatre based on the history of the Prairie and Great Lakes States.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. For more information, contact The Princeton Public Library at 815-875-1331 or visit their website www.princetonpl.org
- Quad Cities Online

Barry Cloyd to present "Knights in Armor, Their Lives and Times"

Share4 Posted Online: June 29, 2011, 2:32 pm

Press release submitted by The Princeton Public Library

Singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd is coming back to The Princeton Public Library on July 5. In April he wowed a standing room only audience with his program "Carl Sandburg: Poet of the People," and library patrons have been requesting his return ever since.

As part of the Midsummer Knight's Read, Big Read programs, Cloyd will present "Knights in Armor, Their Lives and Times." Through the persona of a medieval troubadour named Bernart de Ventadour, Barry Cloyd, through story and song, will bring the Middle Ages to life with tales of the legacy of Rome, the origins of knighthood, feudalism, castles, kings and weaponry. Sprinkled in this mix is a generous portion of original music (written by Cloyd) and period songs played on various stringed instruments. The stories and songs of Merlin and King Arthur, Richard the Lionhearted and the Crusades, and William the Conqueror and the battle of Hastings in 1066 are also brought to life.

Cloyd is a Midwestern based, full-time touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and educator who has spent a lifetime creating a performance style that weaves the genres of Celtic, Blues, Folk and Roots music into a unique blend all his own. In addition, Barry has toured Ireland, England and Wales and much of the U.S. He is a co-founder of Prairie Folklore Theatre, a touring theatre company which creates and produces original musical theatre based on the history of the Prairie and Great Lakes States.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. For more information, contact The Princeton Public Library at 815-875-1331 or visit their website www.princetonpl.org
- Quad Cities Online

Quote from Forest Park Nature Center (IL Arts Council) show poster:
“Central Illinois’ own Guitar Hero returns for a night of folksy/bluesy music. Barry has become a regional legend with talent and showmanship that speaks volumes. A master of the six and twelve string guitar, banjo and Dobro, he will be playing a mix of original tunes and his own powerful renditions of folk and blues classics.”

Quote from Travis Lopez, Programs Specialist, (talent buyer) Quad City Arts, Rock Island, Illinois: “We love having Barry come to visit us. He is so passionate about what he does and it shows through in his amazing musicianship. I can’t find a better show than Barry’s…what a Joy!”

Quote from Al Perkins, Dobro Legend, Member of Stephen Stills’ “Manassas” and Emmylou Harris’ Touring Band and backing artist on “The Wind and The Water”
“Barry’s music reminds me of Stephen Still’s early writing and performance.”

Quote from Joy Steiner, North Dakota audience member, educator and professional storyteller: “I see your light shining as you sing. It draws us all in and makes us glad to be alive.”

Quote from Brenda Story, Music and Theatre Critic, Central Illinois
“Cloyd plays lead acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin and harmonica (in this show)…if you have ever heard Cloyd sing, you already know he is outstanding.”

Quote from “Dirty Linen” magazine, re: CD “The Wind and The Water”
“This Illinois based songwriter has a rich, full voice that is perfectly suited to his story-based songs…Cloyd’s melodies are very radio friendly, and the production and the backing musicians are both first rate”.

Quote from Peoria Journal Star newspaper:
“Barry Cloyd plays his music, whether original songs or traditional folk, blues or popular songs, with a passion which always leaves the listener wanting more. He draws the audience in with instrumental and vocal work that is powerful and beautifully delivered.”

Quote from: Diane Gilman, 5th & 6th grade teacher, Washington Gifted School, Peoria, Illinois, regarding “Connections” program”
“Through story-telling, as well as factual references, Barry traced the impact of the Battle of Hastings and the profound impact a ‘simple’ invention, such as the stirrup, had on warfare and even on the fact we speak the English language…Barry’s presentation clearly motivated students to look at history from a different perspective while reinforcing the core curriculum and standards.”

Quote from Ken Bradbury, author and playwright, regarding Barry’s “Carl Sandburg, Poet of the People” one-man show:
"Barry Cloyd's Carl Sandburg is a delight. Cloyd brings both truth and freshness to his portrayal of the prairie poet, and our (Prairieland Chautauqua) audiences truly reveled in a marvelous evening of storytelling, music, and a real sense of the Galesburg (Illinois) giant. I've seen many interpreters and scores of musicians, but Barry Cloyd is the complete package."

Quote from Janis Guter, Chair of Music Department, Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove, Illinois:
“Your message of performing with passion and following dreams was something the students desperately need to hear and believe. Your approach to students instantly communicates a caring attitude and a genuine interest in them and their lives. The students and I would be delighted to have you return.”


- Various newspapers, magazines, etc.

Barry Cloyd: A Little Bit of Everything
Leah Williams Wright
Distraught after a divorce and unsure of what he should do next, Barry Cloyd leaned on the shoulder of a friend for advice. He wanted to know how he might be able to turn around his debt and dismal financial situation. And it turns out the answer was at his fingertips the entire time.

His friend told him the story of what Geronimo told several elderly American Indian women after they were imprisoned and mistreated. He simply said that their spirits had been in their home villages the entire time they were going through their ordeal, and going back would reunite themselves with where they always belonged.

Something clicked, and Cloyd knew what he had to do. And that decision changed his life forever.

"It's where my spirit had been the entire time," the singer/songwriter said. "I was supposed to play music.... I can't imagine myself not playing. It has always been a part of me, for as long as I can remember."

Cloyd will bring his eclectic music Sunday, December 5 to Blue Sky Winery in Makanda. Cloyd's ultimate-chill sound mashes several genres to create a cool Celtic feel deeply rooted in music and world history. Cloyd is able to play the guitar, five-string banjo, mandolin, requinto (a high-pitched guitar), and bouzouki (a Greek mandolin-like instrument).

Cloyd, who first started playing the guitar when he was six years old, has been a full-time, professional musician for eleven years. He now tours the country, bringing in elements of Celtic music along with other genres, including blues, rock 'n' roll, folk, and roots music.

Developing his own style has made him busy, as he now plays more than two-hundred shows per year. Since he became a professional touring musician, Cloyd has written more than 350 songs, cowritten and produced more than twenty musicals, and has appeared in more than three-hundred television commercials.

Cloyd is a fan of many different musical styles, and everything goes together, he said.

"I use a lot of blues, revel in rock, and incorporate roots and a lot of other kinds of music, too," he said.

Cloyd is a founder of the group Celtricity, which fuses Celtic, blues, world, and original music together. Cloyd is also a cofounder of the Prairie Folklore Theatre, a touring company that creates and produces original musical theatre based on the history of the prairie states and the states bordering the Great Lakes. The theater company has also produced CDs of four of its shows.

As a solo artist, Cloyd has toured Ireland, England, and Wales as well as much of the continental United States. He has played festivals, colleges, universities, bars, clubs, fairs, concerts, riverboats, listening rooms, nature centers, house concerts, castles and cathedrals in Ireland, and in many other settings. He has also performed in a medieval garden in the wilds of a national forest.

Cloyd is a member of the Illinois Arts Council arts tour roster and part of its musical-selection panel. Recently, he was chosen to perform in Chicago's downtown Millennium Park as part of the Great Performers of Illinois series.

Cloyd also plays many literacy-focused, curriculum-based shows that bring together his music and his study of history. He performs shows based on the lives of Carl Sandburg, Benjamin Franklin, Woody Guthrie, Irish immigrants, and people who lived on the early American prairie. He also performs shows highlighting the history of the blues, the link between the medieval and modern worlds, and the importance of midwestern rivers and their impact on the residents' quality of life.

Cloyd is also a collector of antique guitars, of which he has more than thirty at his home.

Cloyd's first album, The Wind and the Water, contains all original songs, using some of the finest session musicians in Nashville, Tennessee-- those who performed on the record had also backed Amy Grant, Stephen Stills, and Emmylou Harris. Followup albums to The Wind and the Water include After the Storm (Celtic/Americana); Yuletide Fire (acoustic Christmas music); and The Rainmaker's Garden (named after the back yard of the famous Makanda art studio).

While writing material for an album, Cloyd said he wants to be sure that he is getting out the best possible product he can to his fans.

"I have decided to become more selective when I am recording," he said. "Because after you leave [a show], that CD is all that they have to take home and remember you by. You want to make sure it is as good as possible."

Cloyd plans to release his ninth album early next year. He said he receives much of his inspiration from life on the road. He is constantly researching and developing new ways to improve his one-man presentations and solo performances.

"I have a great life," Cloyd muses. "I have a nice house, nice things, a nice living. I couldn't ask for anything more. Life is good to me right now, and I get to do something I really, truly enjoy. - Nightlife, Carbondale, IL