the son of pop singer marion ryan began performing with his twin brother paul at the age of 16. in 1965 they signed a recording contract with decca under the name of paul & barry ryan. within two years they had amassed 8 top 50 singles in the uk. their best sellers were "don't bring me your heartaches", a number 13 hit in 1965, "i love her", a number 17 hit in 1966 and "have pity on the boy", a number 18 hit the same year.