South Side saxophonist and songwriter Gene Barge inspired the Gary U.S. Bonds hit “Quarter to Three,” released several albums of his own, produced music for Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Natalie Cole and later dabbled in acting, with roles in films including “The Fugitive” and “Under Siege.”
“He was very talented, he was funny and he had a great sense of history not just about the music business but he had a worldview of history and would talk on many different levels on things,” said film director and South Side native Andrew Davis, a longtime friend who cast Barge in multiple films.
Known as “Daddy G,” Barge, 98, died of natural causes Feb. 2, said his daughter, Gina. He lived in the South Side Douglas neighborhood, and previously was a longtime resident of the Chatham neighborhood.
Born James Garfield Barge Jr. in Norfolk, Virginia, Barge picked up the name “Gene” at an early age, his daughter said. His father…
