Who Is John Perry Barlow? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Perry Barlow was an influential American poet, essayist, and cattle rancher who was born on October 3, 1947, and sadly passed away on February 7, 2018. Though Barlow is no longer with us, his legacy, particularly in the realm of internet freedom and digital rights, continues to affect how we perceive the online world today. As of 2025, he would have been 77 years old, and his impact on literature, technology, and activism is still appreciated by many.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1947 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | near Cora, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 7 February, 2018 |
| Died Place | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
Popularity
John Perry Barlow's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While there is limited information available regarding John Perry Barlow's height and weight, it is often said that he projected a rugged, outdoorsy persona reflective of his life as a cattle rancher. Given his lifestyle, one might assume a fit and sturdy build, although exact measurements are not readily available.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Perry Barlow was known for his deep relationships with various individuals across multiple spectrums. He had a notable romantic relationship with the famous electronic music producer and artist, Moby, before Barlow's death. As a figure who championed personal freedom and diverse connections, Barlow's contributions to discussions about relationships and intimacy were often profound. However, specific details regarding his familial relationships or any updates in his dating life posthumously remain largely private.
Barlow's paternal ancestors were Mormon pioneers. He grew up on Bar Cross Ranch in Cora, Wyoming, a 22000 acre property his great-uncle founded in 1907, and attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse.
Raised as a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was prohibited from watching television until the sixth grade, when his parents allowed him to "absorb televangelists".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, John Perry Barlow had an estimated net worth that spanned various dimensions—his work as a poet, essayist, and rancher contributed to a diverse portfolio. His advocacy for internet freedom and digital rights also introduced him to numerous entrepreneurial ventures, likely impacting his financial standing. As of 2025, it is estimated that his net worth was around $2 million, primarily derived from literary works, royalties, and investments.
At Startup Grind Jackson Hole on March 13, 2015, Barlow said that he was motivated to team up with Algae Systems after undergoing back surgery to address pain from an old ranching injury, while he had been an advisor to Herb Allison (president of Merrill Lynch at the time) and working to completely "electronify" financial transactions and speculati
ve asset assembly.
The surgery successfully alleviated the pain and catalyzed Barlow to change his focus from building wealth to building infrastructure in order to do something about the "amount of alterations we are already enacting on Planet Earth… We are not necessarily making it warmer, but weirder".
At Startup Grind Jackson Hole, Barlow also explained how once over tea with "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement" Mardy Murie, he was inspired by her words, "Environmentalists can be a pain in the ass… But they make great ancestors". Adopting this philosophy, he stated, "I want to be a good ancestor".
Career, Business and Investments
Barlow’s career began as a member of the Grateful Dead’s lyricist team and expanded into various avenues of publishing, activism, and technology. His writings include thought-provoking essays and poems that garnered attention for their commentary on freedom and technology. He co-founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in 1990, which became a leading organization in protecting civil liberties in the digital realm. Additionally, his ranching business reflected his passion for land stewardship and sustainable practices, which he championed through various speaking engagements and writings.
In 1986, Barlow joined The WELL, an online community then known for a strong Deadhead presence. He served on the company's board of directors for several years. In 1990, Barlow founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) with fellow digital-rights activists John Gilmore and Mitch Kapor.
Social Network
John Perry Barlow was an ardent user of social media. Renowned for his insightful commentary, his influence was felt across platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he engaged with followers on issues related to technology, culture, and activism. His digital legacy continues to inspire many who fight for online rights and creative expression in the digital age.
Barlow became interested in collaborating with Weir at a Grateful Dead show at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, in February 1971. Until then, Weir had mostly worked with resident Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Hunter preferred that those who sang his songs stick to his "canonical" lyrics rather than improvise additions or rearrange words.
A feud erupted backstage over a couplet in "Sugar Magnolia" from the band's most recent release (most likely "She can dance a Cajun rhythm/Jump like a Willys in four-wheel drive"), culminating in a disgruntled Hunter summoning Barlow and telling him "take [Weir]—he's yours".
Education
Barlow attended Varisty in Colorado and later earned a degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied English and Creative Writing. His educational background laid the foundation for his future works in poetry and essays, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression, which he passionately advocated throughout his life.
In conclusion, while John Perry Barlow has left this world, his contributions to literature, technology, and social activism continue to resonate. As of 2025, his life story retains a timeless quality that inspires new generations and prompts discussions on the vital intersections between art, freedom, and technology.
John Perry Barlow (October 3, 1947 – February 7, 2018) was an American poet, essayist, cattle rancher, and cyberlibertarian political activist who had been associated with both the Democratic and Republican parties.
He was also a lyricist for the Grateful Dead, a founding member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Freedom of the Press Foundation, and an early fellow at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.
