Barbara Maier Gustern Biography – Wikipedia

Barbara Maier Gustern was an American vocal coach noted for having many students, including Blondie singer Debbie Harry and Diamanda Galas.

Barbara Gustern was raised in Boonville, Indiana and was the daughter of Charles E. Maier.

Barbara Gustern completed a B.A. from DePauw University and a master’s degree in psychology at Columbia University. She worked briefly in psychology before performing in musicals.

Barbara Gustern met her Josef Donald Gustern while singing at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale and they eventually got married on July 27, 1963 at her parents home in Boonville, Indiana.

In August 1964, Barbara Gustern and her husband were cast in the The Threepenny Opera at the Ephrata Star Playhouse. When she was 40, she began teaching at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Barbara Gustern died on March 15, 2022 from brain injuries after having been pushed by a female stranger from behind.

Barbara Gustern was 87 years old when she died.