Barry Lather

Last updated
Barry Lather
Born (1966-08-16) August 16, 1966 (age 57)
Albany, New York
Occupation(s)Choreographer, Creative Director, Producer
Years active1985-present
Known for"The Pleasure Principle" music video

Barry Lather (born August 16, 1966, in Albany, New York) is an American creative director, choreographer, producer, and dancer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, California. [1]

Contents

Early life

Lather was born on August 16, 1966, in Albany, New York.[ citation needed ] He grew up in a family of five children in Atlanta, Georgia. [2] [1] His mother Joan was a dance instructor and his father George ran a dancewear business. [3] In 1985, after graduating high school, Lather moved to Los Angeles and trained on scholarship at Joe Tremaine's Dance Center. [1] [2]

Career

Lather's first entertainment industry dancing project was the 1985 Michael Jackson 3-D film Captain EO . [4] He continued performing in TV series like Fame and Dancin' to the Hits , commercials, and music videos such as Janet Jackson's "Nasty" and "When I Think of You." [5] [3] [6] In 1987, Lather choreographed for Janet Jackson for the American Music Awards and Grammy Awards, and later for "The Pleasure Principle" music video, which won a Billboard Music Award and an MTV Award for Best Choreography. [5] [7] Other artists he worked choreography for included Prince, Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, George Michael, Sting, Britney Spears and Sheryl Crow. In 1996, Barry was co-choreographer for the acclaimed Michael Jackson's short film "Ghost" directed by Stan Winston....and also choreographed the 68th Academy Awards. In 1998, Barry choreographed the Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring superstar Motown artists.

Lather also recorded an album as a solo artist with the label Atlantic Records/WEA in 1990, titled Turn Me Loose. [8]

In the early 2000s, Lather began directing large productions such as world tours and live television performances for artists including P Diddy, Ashlee Simpson, Seal, Gwen Stefani, Usher, Ciara, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Trey Songz and Miguel. Barry acted as creative director for Usher's The Truth Tour, The OMG Tour and the Showtime special "One Night One Star" live from Puerto Rico. [9] Lather's ice show production choreography includes shows for Paramount Parks [ citation needed ] and Disney and working with Olympic athletes like Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, and Katarina Witt. [1] In late 2008, Lather directed and choreographed Donny and Marie Osmond's Las Vegas Show at the Flamingo Hotel. [10] In 2010, he directed Usher's performances on So You Think You Can Dance , Britain's Got Talent , X Factor , and the BET Awards 2010 . [9]

In 2011 and 2012, he worked on the Freestyle Motocross show "Nuclear Cowboyz" tour. [11] In 2014, he was creative director for performances by Echosmith, Nick Jonas, The Vamps, and Meghan Trainor at the Nickelodeon Halo Awards. For the 2016 Grammys, Lather directed Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt's live mashup performance of "Heartbeat" and "Take Your Time." In early 2018, Lather directed & choreographed the grand opening event for Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia and in 2019 the ground breaking ceremony of the ancient city of Diriyah outside of Riyadh. In 2019, Barry was the creative producer for American Idol's season finale show. [9] In 2021, he directed a Celebrity Cruise Line classic rock production called Rockumentary that launched in Greece. Barry directed Robbie Williams Las Vegas Residency Show at The Wynn, and Carrie Underwood's Residency Show "Reflection" at ResortsWorld in Vegas. Recently, Barry worked on Hans Zimmer's European Tour in 2022/2023, directed & designed iconic rocker John Fogerty's Tour and directed Carrie Underwood's The Denim & Rhinestones Tour. [12]

Personal life

Awards

YearFilm awards / criticsAwardWorkResultRef
1988 MTV Video Music Awards Best Choreography"The Pleasure Principle" music videoWon [4]
1997 Fosse Awards Best Music Video"Ghosts" - Michael JacksonWon [13] [14]
2001 Emmys Outstanding Choreography Miss America 2000 Nominated [15]
2016 Pollstar Most Creative Stage Production Storyteller Tour: Stories in the Round Nominated [16]

Selected Directing & Choreography

TV and Film

Music videos

Live Performances & Award Shows

Tours

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Jackson</span> American singer (born 1966)

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content which focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Usher (musician)</span> American R&B singer (born 1978)

Usher Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is widely recognized as an influential figure in contemporary R&B and pop music. Raymond first released his self-titled debut album in 1994 at the age of sixteen and rose to fame in the late 1990s following the release of his second album My Way (1997). It spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Nice & Slow", and saw similar success with its follow-ups "You Make Me Wanna..." and the title track. His third album, 8701 (2001), saw continued success with the number-one singles "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad", as well as the top-three single "U Don't Have to Call". It sold eight million copies worldwide and won his first two Grammy Awards as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ciara</span> American singer (born 1985)

Ciara Princess Wilson is an American singer, songwriter, businesswoman, dancer, model, and actress. She rose to prominence with her debut studio album, Goodies (2004) and its lead single of the same name, which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Follow-up singles from the album included "1, 2 Step" and "Oh", both of which peaked at number two on the former chart. The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and received two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Ciara also guest featured on the 2005 singles "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "Like You" by Bow Wow, both of which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pleasure Principle (song)</span> 1987 single by Janet Jackson

"The Pleasure Principle" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her third studio album, Control (1986). A&M Records released it as the sixth single from Control on May 12, 1987. Written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese, the song is an "independent woman" anthem about taking control of a personal relationship by refusing to settle for loveless materialism. Musically, "The Pleasure Principle" is an R&B song built around a dance-pop beat. The photograph for the single cover was shot by David LaChapelle. The song has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits albums, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss You Much</span> 1989 single by Janet Jackson

"Miss You Much" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was recorded for the singer's fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). As with all tracks for the album, recording took place at Lewis and Jam's Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota between 1988 and 1989. Lyrically, the song narrates a longing to reconnect with a romantic partner after time spent apart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm Nation</span> 1989 single by Janet Jackson

"Rhythm Nation" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson, in collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson developed the song's concept in response to various tragedies in the media, deciding to pursue a socially conscious theme by using a political standpoint within upbeat dance music. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Black Singles and Dance Club Songs charts. It also peaked within the top 40 of several singles charts worldwide. "Rhythm Nation" received several accolades, including BMI Pop Awards for "Most Played Song", the Billboard Award for "Top Dance/Club Play Single" and a Grammy nomination for Jackson as "Producer of the Year". It has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits collections, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R&B Junkie</span> 2004 song by Janet Jackson

"R&B Junkie" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her eighth studio album, Damita Jo (2004). Written by Jackson, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Tony "Prof T" Tolbert, Michael Jones and Nicholas Trevisick, the track was released as a promotional single in 2004 by Virgin Records. "R&B Junkie" is an upbeat song which has a "retro" feel consisting of 1980s soul, R&B, funk, dance-pop and synths, while it samples Evelyn King's 1981 song "I'm in Love"; it has "oh-oh-ohs" throughout the verses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Velvet Rope Tour</span> 1998–99 concert tour by Janet Jackson

The Velvet Rope Tour was the third concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. Launched in support of her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope (1997), the tour visited Europe, North America, Japan, New Zealand, Africa, and Australia. Jackson was inspired to create an autobiographical show using elements of Broadway theatre, portraying her struggle with depression and self-esteem. The tour's stage production was developed as a storybook setting, allowing spectators to cross beyond her "velvet rope" and experience her life story through the evolution of her musical career. It consists of twenty-six songs, several band interludes, and intense choreography along with nine costume changes and four sets. Jackson depicts themes such as burlesque and domestic violence among the show's complex production of pyrotechnics and theatrics.

Tina Landon is an American choreographer based in Los Angeles who has worked with Janet Jackson, Prince, Anastacia, Mýa, Pink, Jay-Z, Marc Anthony, Kristi Yamaguchi, Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Michael Jackson, Ciara, Shakira, Pussycat Dolls, Tina Turner, Britney Spears, and Aaliyah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cris Judd</span> American actor and choreographer (born 1969)

Cristan Lee Judd is a Filipino American actor, dancer, and choreographer known for his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez.

BET's Top 25 is a countdown show that features top 25 favorites such as top 25 men/women, dances, actors, rappers, etc., with commentary from industry insiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stepped on My J'z</span> 2008 single by Nelly featuring Ciara & Jermaine Dupri

"Stepped on My J'z" is a song written and performed by American rapper and singer Nelly featuring fellow American singer Ciara and fellow American rapper Jermaine Dupri; produced by the latter, it was released as the second single from Nelly's fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Payne</span> American choreographer, director and producer

Travis Payne is an American choreographer, director, and producer. He was the choreographer for Michael Jackson's This Is It until Jackson's death. Payne also served as the associate producer for This Is It and along with the director, Kenny Ortega, was extensively and intimately involved in the making of the film. To date, This Is It worldwide gross revenue totaled $261.3 million during its theatrical run, making it the highest-grossing documentary or concert movie of all time.

Anthony Joseph Testa is an American choreographer, creative director, educator and dancer.

Frank Gatson Jr. is an American director and choreographer. He is the creative director for En Vogue, Brandy, Muni Long, Jussie Smollett, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez. He also is the Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé main creative director and choreorgrapher, a position he has held since her tenure with Destiny's Child. He has also choreographed videos, routines and live performances for other artists including R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, TLC, En Vogue, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Destiny's Child, Little Mix, Toni Braxton and Usher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parris Goebel</span> New Zealand dancer and choreographer (born 1991)

Parris Renee Goebel, also known mononymously as Parris, is a New Zealand dancer and choreographer. She is the founder and main choreographer of the Palace Dance Studio, which has produced dance crews such as ReQuest, Sorority, Bubblegum, and the Royal Family. The last has won the World Hip Hop Dance Championship three times in a row, becoming the first dance crew in history to achieve it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl</span>

Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl was a concert residency by American entertainer Paula Abdul at Flamingo Las Vegas in Las Vegas. It began on August 13, 2019, with shows continuing through 2020. In addition to singing and dancing to her greatest hits, Abdul told various stories of her career, including her role as a judge on American Idol. The residency marks the 30th anniversary of "Straight Up".

RuPaul's Drag Race Live! is an American residency show in Las Vegas, Nevada featuring past competitors from the television show RuPaul's Drag Race. The variety show features a mix of original music, lip syncs, comedy, and dance numbers directed by RuPaul and choreographed by Drag Race resident choreographer Jamal Sims. It is produced by World of Wonder and Voss Events and performs five nights a week. Performed at the Flamingo Las Vegas, which formerly housed the eleven-year run of the Donny and Marie Osmond show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denim & Rhinestones Tour</span> 2022–2023 concert tour by Carrie Underwood

The Denim & Rhinestones Tour was the seventh headlining tour American country music artist Carrie Underwood, in support of her ninth studio album, Denim & Rhinestones (2022). The tour began on October 15, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina, and concluded on March 17, 2023, in Seattle, Washington, comprising 43 concert. It was the first tour to take place only in the United States.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "It's a jungle out there". Deseret News. 2002-03-08. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  2. 1 2 Clayton, Chris (2016-12-05). ""You're funky, where you from?"". Mpls St Paul. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  3. 1 2 "The Michael Jackson School of Dance". LA Times. 1990-08-26. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  4. 1 2 Kispert, Amber (2008-10-21). "Bringing rhythm nation to you". PressPubs. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  5. 1 2 "Barry Lather: Credits". Yahoo. n.d. Archived from the original on 2011-08-07. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  6. ↑ "Get the funk up: A tribute to Prince's Batdance". SBS. 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  7. ↑ Johnson, Robert E. (1987-03-01). "Janet Jackson: 'I'm Not Sexy, I'm Sassy...I Date... And I Will Marry Again'". Jet. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  8. ↑ "Barry Lather - Turn Me Loose". AllMusic. n.d. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  9. 1 2 3 "Barry Lather". MSA Agency. n.d. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  10. ↑ Wild, Stephi (2019-12-22). "Choreographers Cris Judd, Bryan Anthony Join FOR THE LOVE OF A GLOVE Michael Jackson Musical". Broadway World. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  11. ↑ "Nuclear Cowboys tour takes off". ESPN. 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  12. ↑ "Rocumentary". Batwin and Robin. 2021. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  13. ↑ Segal, Lewis (1997-11-10). "Fosse Awards Announced". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  14. ↑ Segal, Lewis (1999-11-10). "Fosse Awards Announced". LA Times. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  15. ↑ "Awards & Nominations". Emmys. n.d. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  16. ↑ "Pollstar Awards Nominees". Pollstar. 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.