Alan was born in Portland, Oregon. He honorably served in the United States Army in 1953-1955. Alan graduated from The University of Oregon's Journalism School and received his Masters Degree in Communications from Boston University. Barz devoted his career to making humorous radio ads. He received the prestigious Orson Welles Lifetime Achievement award for Creative Excellence. He won numerous Clio Awards, Belding Awards, Andy Awards, International Broadcast Awards and has been listed in "Who's Who in Advertising".