My dear friend, and music history buddy, Norris Barrino

Posted by: Darcel
June 30, 2025

Norris Barrino also left an enormous legacy as an entertainer coming out of the Lower East Side.   In the early 1970’s Norris participated in the memorable “Step Shows” held on the L.E.S. at JHS 22 and the original Grand Street Settlement when it was across the street from DeWitt Reformed Church. [yes!]  The ‘Step Show’ featured teens creating dynamic choreography to R&B hits while lip-syncing the lyrics.  Norris was among the best in show as front man for the Tyson 5.  A testament to his magnetism was his ability to make the girls swoon and the fellas cheer without singing… one… note!  

By the mid-seventies Norris came into his own as a singer with The Indictments, including Hector Rivera and Bob Hussein, both deceased.   As main vocalist, Norris was as skilled and charismatic a singer in the vein of Dennis Edwards of the Temptations or L.J. Reynolds of The Dramatics.  Needless to say, they lit up the Lower East Side. 

As the trio reached success as “Chazz” in 1981 releasing “Dancing Shoes” on QiT Records and “Fill Me Up” on Mercury Records, it’s easy to imagine the respect Norris received from popular acts when they opened for The Whispers, The Trammps and when they sang for Stevie Wonder in the group’s heyday.   In his later years, if anyone attended the “L.E.S. Bands” concerts at the East River Park Amphitheater, you experienced the never-ending passion he loved to share.   We couldn’t get enough of Norris Barrino, our “L.E.S. Prince of Soul,” singing his heart out to an always loyal fan base in our neighborhood.  Praise the Lord for allowing us the privilege to be benefactors of his gift that he used wonderfully. I will miss my music trivia partner dearly as I know we all will. May he Rest in Peace.

At the Amphitheater, coming together as the new Chazz: L-R: Norris, Hector Rivera, Robbie Mitchell.