Can’t get enough of your love

October 1, 2025
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Montrose Star
Posted in ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY
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GALVESTON TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY OF BARRY WHITE

Barry White

By Forest Riggs

The beautiful island of Galveston is once again enjoying the time of year that locals and visitors refer to as the “Bers”. That is, the months that end in “ber” and are chock full of festivals, celebrations, parties, parades, and all sorts of reasons to gather and share a good time. The Bers, more or less, mark the beginnings that culminate in Mardi Gras. Regardless of the category, it all boils down to fun and good times the Ber months offer.

Barry White birthday party tee shirts available at party

There are two types of residents in Galveston: the BOIs (Born on Island) and the IBCs (Islander by Choice). There is a growing third group, the IVs (Island Visitor).

During the Bers, there is a little something for everyone, and November is certainly no exception to these groups. However, it usually comes with cooler temperatures.

In the fall of 1944, Sadie Marie Carter was visiting her mother, who lived in the Palm Terrace Housing Project, located in the 4400 block of Sealy on Galveston Island. While there, on September 12, 1944, Sadie Marie gave birth to a son and named him Barry Eugene White. After about six months, Sadie Marie took her newborn son and returned to the Watts area of Los Angeles, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Little Barry, always interested in music, grew up to be a superstar known around the world. His deep and smooth voice exuded sex and passion in every note. That combination won White two Grammy awards and made him a trailblazer in rhythm, blues, soul, and even disco sounds. Barry White was a distinct and unforgettable voice in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. His recordings were all over the charts. A big man with a big presence, Barry White made and left his mark on American pop culture. Songs like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” and “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up” were just two of Barry’s best-known hits.

The birthday celebration and how it began

Ron Hosking and partner Ryan Gillette arrived in Galveston in the Spring of 2013. With the aid of Realtors Hudson Holmes and V.J. Tramonte, the pair found a great house on 34th Street, near the old bowling alley. In 2017, wanting to get down to the East End, “where the action was happening,” Hosking again enlisted Hudson and V.J. with Joe Tramonte Realty to assist the couple in locating another property. They found their new home in the 900 Block of Avenue K., a prime East End neighborhood.
Unaware at the time, they soon learned the property on Avenue K was said to be the birthplace of the famous singer, Barry White. Be it island legend or just rumor, the title stuck — at least, for a few years. With the aid of Jamie Durham, the very capable historian at the Galveston Historic Foundation, it was learned that White was not born in that particular location, but in the Palm Terrace residences. But by this time, the legend stuck among a widening circle of friends; to the gang, 923 K became thought of as Barry White’s birthplace.

While lounging in the beautiful pool Hosking and Gillette had put in, and during a lively conversation, Holmes, Tramonte, and the couple decided to start something new and celebrate the birthday of the island’s son, Barry White. At first, it was just an idea; however, ideas and making them happen are the fuel that propels Hudson Holmes. Soon, plans were being made to create an annual event that hopefully would catch on and grow. It did!

Barry White Birthday Party originators Hudson Holmes, Robert Hosking, V.J. Tramonte and Ryan Gillette

The first Barry White Birthday Party was held at Brick Tavern and was attended by about 18 people, most of whom were connected to V.J., Hudson, or the Hosking and Gillette couple. With Eileen Donlan in charge of decorating and the assistance of neighbors Mike and Debbie Boyle, as well as Hudson’s partner, the late Paul Minafri, the event was a success. White’s music was played throughout the bar, and 45 records hung from every rafter. Costumes were encouraged, and many wore the T-shirts Holmes had designed, utilizing the BOI moniker with the “O” being represented by a picture of Barry White, himself. The shirts were a huge hit and, to this day, remain very sought after.

With each year, the celebration grew in numbers and popularity. With Joe Tramonte Realty on board and the creative mind of Hudson, the event became a new staple in the box of Galveston celebrations. The next two years saw the event evolve into a fundraiser for the Galveston Island Animal Shelter and even included pet adoptions, silent auctions, a raffle and door prizes.

Hudson Holmes (left), Dr. Brown, Eileen Donlan and the late Paul Minafri

In 2020, Todd and Tommy, owners of the popular beach bar Lucky Lounge, offered their space for the annual Barry White Birthday Party. The next few years saw the attendance grow to over 200 participants, complete with BBQ plates, live music and lots of Barry White tunes playing. Lucky Lounge, with its huge following and success as an award-winning sports bar where all are welcome, became the home of the annual event.

The last couple of years, the fundraising has benefited Galveston Island’s ACCT (Access Care of Coastal Texas) program, raising a few thousand dollars at the 2024 event. Holmes said, “I’m hoping to see this year’s event raise $5000 or more for ACCT and their great work. They do so much for the HIV/AIDS community here.”