Renowned blues musician Barry Goldberg, celebrated for his exceptional keyboard skills during Bob Dylan’s legendary 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. His significant contributions to music and the blues genre will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike.

The announcement of Goldberg’s passing was made by his publicist, Bob Merlis, who shared that he died peacefully in hospice care following a courageous decade-long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This news has left the music community mourning the loss of a true icon.

Goldberg’s family has kindly requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the Bear League. Contributions can be directed through their website at savebears.org, ensuring his legacy continues to support wildlife conservation.

Born in Chicago in 1942, Goldberg was immersed in the vibrant music scene as a teenager, mingling with legendary blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, and Howlin’ Wolf. It was during this formative period that he cultivated a friendship with talented guitar player Mike Bloomfield, which would later prove pivotal in his career.

Memorable Performance at Newport Folk Festival 1965

Goldberg and Bloomfield were pivotal members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band at the iconic 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where they supported Dylan during an electrifying set that became one of the most controversial performances in rock history. Goldberg’s unexpected inclusion in the lineup became a defining moment of his career.

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Reflecting on that moment, Goldberg recounted in a 1996 interview, “When I arrived at Newport, the producer, Paul Rothchild, was adamant about not incorporating an organ into the performance.” Despite his reluctance, Goldberg’s skills were ultimately recognized. “One evening, Bob Dylan arrived and mentioned that the keyboard player was absent. Michael Bloomfield quickly pointed out that I was an excellent keyboard player, leading to my unexpected invitation to the sound check, which ultimately allowed me to perform that night.” This serendipitous encounter not only altered the course of his career but also cemented his place in rock history.

Experience Bob Dylan’s Powerful Performance of ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival

Following this monumental event, Goldberg formed the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band alongside Steve Miller, releasing a single titled “The Mother Song” before Miller ventured to San Francisco. In 1967, he also co-founded the Electric Flag with Bloomfield, as well as the Barry Goldberg Reunion in 1968, continuing to shape the sound of blues music.

As a prolific songwriter, Goldberg collaborated with notable figures such as Gerry Goffin, resulting in recordings by legendary artists like Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, and Gram Parsons. His creative influence also extended to contributions on albums by the Ramones, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Leonard Cohen, showcasing his versatility and talent across various music genres.

In 1974, Goldberg released his self-titled album, which was produced by both Dylan and Jerry Wexler. This notable collaboration marked a rare instance of Dylan producing an album for another artist. In a gesture of gratitude, Goldberg later produced Dylan’s 1989 rendition of “People Get Ready,” further exemplifying their artistic synergy.

Listen to Bob Dylan’s Soul-Stirring Version of ‘People Get Ready’

In his later years, Goldberg found joy in performing and recording with a group called the Rides, which included renowned musicians Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Chris Layton. Together, they achieved remarkable success, landing two No. 1 blues albums that resonated deeply with audiences.

“Playing alongside such extraordinary musicians reignites memories of my early days as a teenager,” Goldberg shared with Blues Rock Review in 2016. He reminisced about the unforgettable moments spent performing with blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. “Every experience has been a highlight of my life and career, and now, being part of a band I cherish at this stage of my life, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he expressed, demonstrating his passion for music and gratitude for his remarkable journey.