Joe Barry. The name is synonymous with legendary rock and roll. And bad behavior. Few knew the tortured man behind the music who struggled with personal and professional demons, giving up on music several times to pursue careers as diverse as pimp, preacher and mercenary. He threw punches and received them, shot others and got shot, was bitten by the snake and then spread the Word of God. But he always returned to his roots – the bayou country of Southern Louisiana, where he built his first guitar out of a discarded cigar box.
Years of reckless living took its toll on Joe’s body, but these years held stories which he ached to tell one last time. In 2002, Tuff City Records moved a studio into his living room. Joe’s failing health forced him to limit his signing to one minute intervals – the album took two long years to complete, but Barry vowed to finish it, even if it was the last thing he did. Of it, Rolling Stone said “On this wonderful return, Barry is in his old form … singing with tender, fighting soul.” But Tuff City also knew it had to take its last chance to tell in documentary form the story his songs gave life to.
This documentary weaves the stories of his songs into the tapestry of his remarkable life. It transports you back to times and places that are gone forever – the richly colorful 1950s and 60s music scenes of New Orleans, South Louisiana and Southeast Texas, a time when American rock and roll was in its infancy, the levies were sturdy and the wetlands were verdant.
“Been Down That Muddy Road” is the story of a life that transcends loss and is available at last to compellingly bear witness.
A teaser is available here.
