Duo “The Berry Sisters”: daughters of a Kyiv baker who became world stars.

“The Barry Sisters” is a famous female duo known worldwide for hits like “Bei Mir Bist Du Shein,” “Chiribim-Chiribom,” and “Dark Eyes.” Myrna and Claire were the first to adapt traditional Jewish folk songs for a modern audience, distinguished by a style that combines klezmer melodies with jazz arrangements.

The sisters recorded eleven vinyl albums, which have become rare collectibles. Music critics claim that the sisters’ popularity is largely due to the spirit of the early 20th century, combining the energy of Kyiv and New York — the two homelands of the family. Through their songs, Myrna and Claire managed to convey the history of the Jewish people better than many researchers and writers, expressing a wealth of emotions in their works: from glamour and glitz to longing and hope.

Minnie and Clara Bagelman were born into an immigrant family in New York. Their grandfather lived in Kyiv, and their father, Chaim, was known throughout the city for making bagels in a family of bakers. After the October Revolution, Chaim left his family and went to the USA, where he started a new life, changing his name to Herman. There he opened a bakery and created a large family with Esther, who had immigrated from Austria.

According to Clara’s recollections, the parents were authoritative figures for the children, and the only entertainment was music on the radio. Mother Esther believed in Clara’s musical abilities and arranged an audition where her daughter successfully performed “Bei Mir Bist Du Shein.” Despite financial constraints, Esther found a way to provide Clara with music lessons through a neighbor tutor.

Although music lessons did not particularly enthuse Clara, participating in a competition made the process more interesting. Soon the “Bagelman Sisters” duo emerged, recording songs from the 1930s at RCA Victor studio, and soon paved the way to popularity, changing their surname to “Barry.”

Abe Ellstein, responsible for their performance approach, suggested creating an amazing two-part harmony, which then made their style unique. Although the sisters could not be heard on Moscow radio, their concert on July 25, 1959, in the capital became an event, gathering about 20,000 spectators.

During the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, the Barrys performed in Israel, where their rendition of “Hava Nagila” served as a source of hope for a wounded soldier. In 1976, after their last concert in Australia, Myrna passed away, leaving Claire in deep grief. Claire later began performing again, though struggling to overcome the loss.

In 2009, Claire performed at a Yiddish culture club in Florida, singing “My Yiddishe Momme.” She passed away at the end of 2014 at the age of 94. American producer Victor Rashkovich noted her extraordinary talent and personality, leaving a bright mark in music.

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