Barry Ulanov (1918–2000) was an American writer and critic, initially celebrated for his work in jazz journalism. Born in New York City, his early musical training on the violin was cut short by an injury. He attended Columbia University, where he engaged with the jazz scene and began his writing career.

Ulanov became a prominent voice in jazz criticism, notably as editor of Metronome magazine from 1943 to 1955. He championed bebop and artists like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, organizing events and writing extensively on modern jazz. His influence was recognized by musicians, with Miles Davis noting Ulanov as one of the few white critics who understood him and Parker. Ulanov also taught at several universities, including Juilliard and Columbia.

In 1951, Ulanov converted to Catholicism, which marked a significant shift in his intellectual focus. He began writing more on religious and psychological themes, co-translating Catholic texts with his wife, Joan Bel Geddes. In the later decades of his life, he dedicated himself to exploring religion and psychology, publishing numerous books, many with his second wife, Ann Belford Ulanov, a professor and psychoanalyst. His academic career extended to Union Theological Seminary.

Barry Ulanov established himself as a significant figure in jazz criticism, particularly during his tenure as editor of Metronome magazine from 1943 to 1955. During this period, he expanded the magazine's focus to include modern jazz and actively promoted African American musicians. Ulanov was an early proponent of bebop and championed the work of artists such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He organized jazz events, including a residency for Charlie Parker at a West 54th Street club. His deep connection with the jazz community was acknowledged by musicians like Miles Davis, who considered Ulanov a rare critic capable of understanding his music. Ulanov also held academic positions at institutions like Juilliard and Columbia University, contributing to the intellectual discourse surrounding music.

Following his conversion to Catholicism in 1951, Barry Ulanov's writing and research interests broadened considerably to encompass religion and psychology. He became actively involved in Catholic intellectual circles, serving as president of the Catholic Renascence Society and founding a St. Thomas More Society. Alongside his wife, Joan Bel Geddes, he translated numerous essays and books on Catholic theology. Ulanov also advocated for the integration of contemporary music, including rock, into church services and encouraged media to adopt more Christian values. In the final twenty years of his life, he concentrated his efforts on exploring the intersection of religion and psychology, producing a substantial body of work, often in collaboration with his second wife, Ann Belford Ulanov.