Career
He was known for his work as a session musician for several artists, as well as his collaborations with Doctor John, a fellow New Orleans native. Barron met Mac Rebennack in 1958 and performed with him at several venues around New Orleans. During that period, he created the Reverend Ether persona to satisfy audiences who were primarily interested in entertainers.
Rebennack was so impressed with the gimmick, that he wanted Barron to become Doctor John.
Barron was hired by Sonny and Cher in 1965, and relocated to California to become a session musician, and left the Reverend Ether character behind. He died in 1997 from complications of heart problems.