stylistic talents, Barry became a highly successful and innovative television programme director despite having no previous professional experience. He directed "The Beat Room", a highly popular British pop programme as well as other successful British pop shows, including the Juke Box Jury, "Dad, you're a square", "Exit, It's The Way Out", "Gadzooks, It's All Happening", and the Tom Jones BBC TV series. While producing in the music industry, he discovered David Bowie and helped launch Tom Jones' career, managing them both for a time. He also managed the American singer P.J. Proby. Barry Langford was involved in the discovery of the Who, featuring them on the Beat Room and other programmes he produced or directed. Later in his career, he acted in or did screenwriting for various Israeli-made films. Personal life Langford was born 7 February 1926 in London, England. He was the older brother of Lawrence Langford (1927–2020), who created one of the world's largest collections of marine antiques and model ships. He was married to Shirley Irene Hale (born Hersheson) with whom he had two children, Jeremy and . He was a first-class bridge player, having played professional for Australian teams as well as becoming one of Israel's top players. He died on 25 July 2012 in Israel. Childhood Growing up in the UK, Langford lived a happy childhood with his younger brother Lawrence. Barry had shown an interest and knowledge of music even at an early age. His passion for music would one day guide him towards becoming involved in the music industry. The Langford family moved repeatedly during Barry's childhood, his father Louis moving the family as he travelled from business to business. Louis avoided telling other people the Langford family was Jewish, in light of antisemitic stereotypes of the time. Barry's education suffered as a result of switching school several times, his grades being poorly affected by this. This caused classmates to underestimate his keen intelligence, which manifested itself well in social situations. Largely self-educated, Barry adapted to the many changes in his early life quickly, a valuable skill that would service him well in later life. Adult life Before his directing and producing career began, while still working in the Langford family silver business, Langford met Shirley Hale, the daughter of another silver dealer. The two, having many similarities, soon married. After leaving the silver business, the family travelled together, moving back and forth