I've gotta reopen this old thread as yesterday was a big day. I was providing piano service for the Jazz In The Pines festival in Idyllwild, CA. I noted with great interest that the opening act on the main stage on Sunday was listed as "H.B. Barnum and the L.I.F.E. Choir." When the pianist had taken his seat I introduced myself and asked him if he might be the same H.B Barnum who had produced the Dorothy Berry records in the 1960s. He said yes, and seemed surprised then pleased when I told him that I considered "You're Driving Me Crazy" to be the best record in the whole world. H.B. chuckled and said that they had probably pressed 500 copies of that title.
Mr. Barnum is approaching 80 and is still very active musically with his gospel choir. He is a powerful pianist and he and the choir gave a varied and moving performance, covering "Oh Happy Day", several other selections with soloists stepping forward for each, and closing with a Christmas medley!
Both issues of Little Star 117 are now available for your listening pleasure on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7tpzWkUlUY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPB3MFRPj8I
Stop the presses! Now the rousing B side of LS 117 is also up on the 'tube... yes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvqFpjsWD6I