Jose was the only trainer I ever knew or saw who used a bull whip, instead of a more commonly used twisted willow whip. As most of you probably know, Jose is the father of George Barrada, who had one of the best male lion acts in the American Circus, as well as a male Liger act. George and his wife, the former LuAnn Jacobs, daughter of iconic clown Lou Jacobs currently have a 4 African elephant act. For years the Barrada family, Jose, George, and the late Chino had all the animal act's on one unit of Clyde Bros. Circus. Chimpanzee's, elephants, lions, and bears. Chino also had one of the greatest high wire act's to be seen. A multi talented family to be sure. Jose and I have some "history" with a particular bear, that tried to kill him.
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6 comments:
Three act.
Radar,
Did they lose one? How is George's daughter by the way? :)
Wade
Dolly died last year following a surgery. I visited UniverSoul last September in Chicago. No elephants on the show due to the surgery. You can only imagine my disappointment
Any photographs of the Barreda herd when the carried eight? My dad managed the two retired males at Riddle's. I never saw Digger in person, but tuskless Tuffy was an impressive sight, walking tailed up with the other two boys from the picket line to the yard on those early summer mornings.
Which herd of elephants did the Barredas manage on Clyde Brothers?
Radar,
No, I can not imagine your disappoint. My mind won't let me. :) Come to think of it, I have never seen a picture of all 8 elephants. I shall contact George and see if he has anything he can let us use. I shall also warn him to keep his beautiful daughter under lock and key, should a nitwit from the "Show Me State" show up on the lot.
George and his brother Chino presented the Judy, Vickie, Jenny herd for years. Being just a "shit shoveler" when I first went on the Clyde Bros. show, I was intimidated by them, but the whole family was very gracious to me, and later very grateful that I was able to get the bear off of Jose. Don't ask, because I don't talk about it. You will have to ask someone else. Years later, it was a real treat to have Jose, whom I admired and learned a lot from watching, in between my duties to Lou and the tigers and elephants on the other unit, come to the Ringling Show in Oklahoma City. A family of 100% pure class.
Wade
Wade, did Chino Barrada perform under the name Joselito? Do you know what happened to him?
Anonymous,
Yes Chino performed under the name "Joselito." Incredible act that wowed the public. Yes, I know what happened, but you will have to ask someone else, if you want to know. I don't talk about it.
Wade
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