BETHEL — Local legendary singer and performer Mickey Barnett, who spent well over fifty years in the entertainment industry, passed away January 31 at the age of 82.

Barnett was well-known for his covers of some vintage, timeless country songs from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as rockabilly hits by Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presely, and Carl Perkins.

Throughout his career, he created a strong legacy within Sullivan County. He worked as a record artist, songwriter, record producer, radio host, music publisher, and executive for record companies. 

Barnett first gained fame at a very young age by appearing in small roles on network television shows, the Sullivan County Historical Society noted. 

The singer started the Audrey Meadows fan club when he was younger. By doing this, a strong bond with, Meadows, an American actress, would be established. He was able to perform on The Honeymooners as a result of this as well.

Barnett launched his singing career at the age of seventeen, beginning to mold his own legacy — going on to record songs like “Gone,” “Just a Memory” and “Don’t You Believe Her,” which rose to the top ten playlists on various radio stations.

Thanks to the success of the song, Barnett was able to secure a record contract with De-Lite Records and go on to achieve more success under the guidance of seasoned producer Clyde Otis.

In his career, he contributed to fifteen albums for that Pickwick International Records and as a result of that endeavor, songwriter Doc Pomus got in touch with him to collaborate on studio sessions and record a number of unique demos for Elvis Presley.

In addition, Barnett was well-known in the Borscht Belt hotel business such as the Paramount Hotel in Parksville. He would also perform in a number of Catskills theaters as well.

Barnett would go on to help coordinate Roy Clarke’s appearances at the Monticello Raceway. This would also result in a good friendship that brought him to Nashville where the collaborations he would participate in garned an entryway into additional country stars performing in the Sullivan County area, such as Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and Buck Owens.

His funeral was held February 5th at the Colonial-Ramsay Funeral Home. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sullivan County Historical Society.

Barnett was predeceased by his close friend Naomi McCormick and his sister Doris Drost, and is survived by his brothers, Jack Pelepako (Jane) of Mahopac, NY, and Bob Pelepako (Martha) of North Carolina, as well as his daughter Karen Torres of White Plains, NY, his godson Gary Grund (Michelle) of Slate Hill, NY, and his grandchildren, Thomas Eckes and Janine Eckes. 

Throughout his life, Barnett won numerous honors from various music business associations, including Entertainer of the Year, Band of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. These honors are on display in his office and recording studio in the town of Bethel.

In October of 2021, the Sullivan County Historical Society (SCHS) named Barnett the recepient of the SCHS Maker Award attributed “for his contributions to the entertainment world through originality and influence producing and performing music and having a significant impact on the arts, music and culture of Sullivan County, New York.”