Barry McGuire (born 1935) Barry McGuire, born October 15, 1935, in Oklahoma City, is an American singer-songwriter best known for his 1965 protest anthem “Eve of Destruction.” After early folk work with The New Christy Minstrels (“Green, Green”), he went solo on Dunhill Records. “Eve of Destruction” (written by P.F. Sloan), a grim commentary on war, racism, and apocalypse amid Vietnam escalation, topped the Billboard Hot 100 despite bans for controversy, selling millions. Follow-ups like “Child of Our Times” charted modestly. McGuire’s raspy delivery captured 1960s unrest. He converted to Christianity in the late 1960s/early 1970s, shifting to contemporary Christian music with albums like The World’s Last Private Eye and touring evangelically. He co-wrote “California Dreamin'” (The Mamas & the Papas hit). Largely retired from mainstream but active in faith-based circles, McGuire celebrated his 90th birthday in 2025. “Eve of Destruction” remains relevant, covered widely and tied to protest eras. His shift from folk-rock protest to spiritual music marks a unique 1960s-to-1970s transition.