Barney & Friends Music Director Shares Experience of Threats Due to Beloved Songs; Recalls ‘Terrible Things’

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for the impact of media and entertainment on our lives, I find it truly shocking and disheartening to learn about the harrowing experiences that Bob Singleton, the musical director of Barney & Friends, went through due to the backlash against the show. It’s hard to fathom how a beloved children’s program could inspire such vitriolic responses, especially considering its messages of friendship, community, and love.


Barney & Friends gained a devoted following among children due to its vibrant characters and catchy tunes sung by the purple dinosaur and companions. Interestingly, songs with themes of friendship, community, and love drew criticism instead. Bob Singleton, the musical director, shared this unexpected reaction in the latest podcast Generation Barney, discussing the criticism he faced upon disclosure of his profession.

In response to being nominated for a Grammy, a local talk radio station expressed enthusiasm with, “‘This is fantastic!'” he remembered. However, someone then phoned in and threatened, “I’d love to grab that guy by the throat. I’d just… I really want to eliminate him,” Singleton recounted.

It seems his email address was unintentionally shared to a public platform, leading to a series of menacing messages and insults. The composer remembered these messages contained threats not only against him but also his family, with chilling references to gruesome deaths and mutilation.

Mentioning another distressing incident, Singleton shared an episode where he attended a luncheon and informed the staff that he was the music director of a popular cartoon. Upon hearing this, one person responded, “Wow, my kids adored you, but I just felt like wanting to harm you.” Although the man didn’t clarify his jest, it struck a nerve with Singleton.

In that instant, a thought crossed my mind: “Is this an individual I should be vigilant around in the parking lot, perhaps?” Or was it merely a case of him expressing, “My children enjoyed it, I did not”? The situation was certainly awkward.

In a fun and engaging manner, let me rephrase: The classic 1992 animated series centered around a charming purple Tyrannosaurus Rex and his pals as they embarked on humorous escapades. This popular show often brings nostalgia to millennials. Notably, it showcased Selena Gomez in her childhood, when she was only 10 years old, before she became a renowned pop star and actress.

Actress from “The Only Murders in the Building” was the executive producer for a spin-off of another popular Disney series she starred in, titled “Wizards of Waverly Place”. Could it be possible that “Barney and Friends” might receive a remake or spin-off down the line? Who knows!

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2024-11-12 20:52