Barney Waterbury

Barney Waterbury grew up in Memphis Tenn. submerged in country and bluegrass music with a family full of musicians. He began playing professionally as a drummer in his father’s bluegrass band at age 12 and soon picked up the guitar.

Barney moved from Tennessee to Florida in 1979. “I moved to Florida and bought a set of Congas. “My friends asked 'what’ cha gonna do with those bongos boy?' It was a hard to conceive idea in a small town, moving to Florida with congas and buying a sailboat.

They all thought I’d lost it. I must say it has been a great journey full of blessings and trials.” With exposure to new rhythms and styling he began to explore African, Reggae, Latin and Calypso music. Soon after he settled in to the beach life Barney put together The World Famous Chuck and Barney Show and Aiko Aiko Plating in pubs from St. Pete beach to Clearwater beach. In the late 80s Bareny sailed his boat to the Abacos and lived at anchor for one and a half years writing music and refining his skill.

After returning to Florida In 1991 The Bohemian Swingers invited Barney to play congas, aux percussion, and sing. They very quickly became a staple on the beaches from Clearwater to Key West. Many still day dream of the care free Sundays at the Yellow Fin /Surf Side/ Alley Cats with the Bohemian Swingers We were a wild ride! We had the opportunity to open for Little Feet, Radiator, Wide Spread Panic, and Jefferson Starship. Once Vassar Clemons used us as his backup band for a show at Skippers Smoke House, We had one week to practice so we crammed and crammed. When we got on stage we played the first song of his set. Then he turned around and said, "Let's play y'alls stuff I've already heard all mine”. The rest of the night he just jammed with us. Eventually the Bohemian Swingers went their separate ways. Barney began a solo act and started teaching. In 1998, playing acoustic at the East End Coffee Shop, Barney unknowingly set the foundation for the Urban Gypsies by inviting area musicians to stop in. Before they knew it they were being booked all over St. Pete and Tampa. Barney plays acoustic guitar and percussion, sings, and has written many of the Urban Gypsies' songs.

"Being able to perform and having the public enjoy what I have to offer always dumbfounds me. I could not do it without the unfailing Grace of God, the inspiration and lve of my Leta, and the extremely talented musicians I am privileged to work with.” - Barney