JJ Barrie obit

AUTHORS, Barry Jackson Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

July 7, 1933 - May 10, 2026

Passed away peacefully with family at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, on Sunday May 10th, 2026, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of Denise (nee Funk), together for 51 years. Loving father of Carol, Jeffrey, Rachael and Jake. Cherished father-in-law to Lawrence (predeceased), Fiona and Sydney. Proud grandfather (‘Pappy’) of Charles, Claire and Dylan, and dear grandfather-in-law to Sarah and Orion. Treasured great-grandfather (‘Grand-Pappy’) of Frances, Lera and Eleanor. Loving brother of Gail Smith and brother-in-law to Dave Smith (predeceased), Julia Funk, and Anita and Patrick Curran. Predeceased by his former wife, Sandra. Dear son of the late Jeffrey and Josephine Authors. Adored son-in-law to the late Tibor and Noreen Funk. Loved by many extended family members in both Canada and England, including his niece, Anita Long and her family, and his nephew, Jamie, along with niece and nephews, Derek, Debbie, Drew, and their families.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Authors, a beloved entertainer, songwriter, filmmaker, husband, father, pappy and grand-pappy, and proud Canadian whose remarkable career spanned more than six decades in the international entertainment industry.

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, a second-generation Canadian raised in the heart of Canada’s “Motor City,” Barry displayed an extraordinary gift for performance and creativity from an early age. As a young man, he formed the wildly original comedy duo, Authors & Swinson, with a dear school friend, Howard Swinson. Their unique brand of bizarre comedy quickly propelled them onto the world stage, performing at legendary venues including the London Palladium, The Palace Theatre in New York, and premier nightclubs across the globe.

His contributions to entertainment and Canadian culture earned him numerous honours throughout his life, including recognition on Oshawa’s Walk of Fame and the prestigious Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022. In the 1970s, Barry expanded his talents beyond comedy into artist management and the recording industry. He guided the careers of celebrated performers including Blue Mink, Norman Wisdom, Roger Cook, and many others. Through his partnership with Chapel Music, he launched the Power Exchange record label, where his songwriting abilities soon came to the forefront.

Encouraged to step into the spotlight himself, he adopted the recording name, JJ Barrie, and achieved international success. His heartfelt 1976 hit, “No Charge”, became a worldwide number-one record, touching millions of listeners around the world. Decades later, his memorable performance on Top of the Pops continues to resonate with audiences, attracting thousands of views on YouTube. His music remains available to listeners everywhere online, with a new album to be released in the future in his memory, called ‘With Love & Country’.

Never content to limit his creativity, Barry later turned his focus to screenwriting and film production. Working alongside his friend and producer Larry DeWaay, he established a film development company at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom. Among his proudest achievements was writing the fantasy adventure inspired by the Canadian legend of Ogopogo. The project ultimately became the feature film, Meeshee: The Water Giant, starring Bruce Greenwood and directed by John Henderson. Filmed in New Zealand and featuring visual effects by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, the film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, won honours at the Swedish Film Festival, and received praise from critics around the world.

In later years, he continued developing film projects and screenplays through Ogopogo Productions Inc. in Canada, remaining passionate about storytelling and the arts throughout his life.

Above all else, Barry cherished his family, whom he loved deeply and who all loved him beyond measure. He also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, collaborators, and admirers whose lives were enriched by his humour, creativity, kindness, and boundless imagination.

His legacy lives on, not only through his family, but also through his music, films, and writing. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Southlake Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Margaret Bahen Hospice.

Memorial donations may be made to Margaret Bahen Hospice in Barry’s memory:Click here to donate to Margaret Bahen Hospice

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer, in accordance with Barry’s wishes for a joyful gathering and a big party to celebrate his remarkable life.

Originally a Blue Mink and Ocean manager, and comedian of the famed duo "Authors and Swinson", Barrie turned to songwriting and in early 1976 co-wrote "Where's The Reason" with Terry Britten for Glen Campbell. They sent a demo to Campbell's producer, but he suggested Barrie record it. This he did, but it was unsuccessful. Undaunted, Barrie recorded a cover version of the country ballad "No Charge", penned by Harlan Howard, on Barrie's own label, Power Exchange. The track featured an uncredited vocal from Vicki Brown (wife of Joe Brown, and one-time member of both The Vernons Girls and The Breakaways), and was produced by Bill Amesbury. The single reached Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in June 1976, where it remained for one week. The track spent eleven weeks in the chart.

J.J. Barrie (left) during a promotional event for "No Charge" at Power Exchange Records, London (1976)

The session musician Clem Cattini played the drums of "No Charge", one of his forty five UK number one hit appearances on record. Billy Connolly's 1976 Top 40 hit, "No Chance (No Charge)", was a spoof version of Barrie's chart-topper.

Barrie re-released "Where's The Reason" as a follow-up but it again failed to chart. Power Exchange had one other UK Top 20 hit single – "Who's Gonna Love Me" by The Imperials (without Little Anthony) in December 1977 – after which the label ceased trading. Barrie returned to Canada and tried to resume music publishing, artist management and agency representation – his former jobs during the 1960s. In 1980, he returned to the UK to record his own track, "You Can't Win 'Em All" b/w "It's Only A Game" – with the then Nottingham Forest F.C. manager Brian Clough – which was released on MCA late in the year. However, without any further chart presence in the UK, he remains labelled as a one-hit wonder. He released two albums for RCA, My Son and Dreamin', and another single, also called "My Son".

Barrie's erstwhile recording partner, Vicki Brown, died of cancer on June 16, 1991.

 

Actor

Mee-Shee: The Water Giant (2005)

Mee-Shee: The Water Giant

5.3

Local

2005

 

Soundtrack

Top of the Pops (1964)

Top of the Pops

6.9

TV Series

performer: "No Charge"

1976

4 episodes