Robin Barnes is an American jazz singer and fitness leader from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, best known for her jazz EP "Songbird Sessions" released in 2016.[1][2]

Early life

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Barnes was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up around a family of musicians, including Dave Bartholomew.[3] Barnes came from gospel and jazz roots, and started singing at 6 in her church choir. After a solo performance of “Ave Maria," she decided she wanted to be a singer.[4]

Career

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Business

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Barnes holds a bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans in business management and a master's degree in business administration.[5] When she returned from Greece, she was diagnosed with a rare kidney infection and changed her diet.[5] After the diagnosis, Barnes founded Fit by You/Move Ya Brass, a New Orleans-centric fitness lifestyle group.[6] Barnes was featured on Forbes 40 under 40 in 2014 for her workout wear.[7]

Barnes is the At-Large Director on The University of New Orleans International Alumni Board and serves as a member on The Beautiful Foundation, serving uplifting young women.[3]

Music

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In 2011, she made music her full-time career.[3] Barnes’ first gig was in the Hotel Monteleone where she still holds a residency along with the Windsor Court.[4] She has grown in popularity since her debut in the United States and in Europe.[8] Barnes has been named the “Songbird of New Orleans" by several media outlets.[8]

Barnes won “Favorite New Orleans Musician” by New Orleans magazine as well as Gambit Magazine’s artist to watch in 2015.[9]

She released five songs on her Jazz EP Songbird Sessions on Aug. 26, 2016 through Rhythm Elevation Records.[10] The album was made with bassist Pat Casey. Robin cites influences including Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas.[4] Percussionists Riley and Powell and guitarists Masakowski and Danny Abel also appear.[4] Songbird Sessions debuted at number 5 on the Traditional Jazz Albums Billboard Charts.[11] Her album was also number 8 on the Current Jazz Albums chart.[12]

Barnes is currently working on a full-length album.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Cristina, Victoria. (2016-09-07) 'The Songbird of New Orleans' scores with first Billboard hit. Wgno.com. Retrieved on 2020-03-01.
  2. ^ "New Orleans Female Jazz Singer & Songwriter Robin Barnes". Robin Barnes Music. Retrieved 2017-04-05.
  3. ^ a b c d Tubre, Kimmie (2014-11-20). "Robin Barnes | Where Y'at". Whereyat.com. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  4. ^ a b c d Banks, Carol (2016-09-01). "'Favorite New Orleans Musician' Robin Barnes commands worldwide attention with 'Songbird Sessions'". AXS. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  5. ^ a b "New Orleans Songbird, Robin Barnes - Health & Fitness Magazine - July 2015". Healthfitnessmag.com. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  6. ^ "About Us — Move Ya Brass". Moveyabrass.com. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  7. ^ Coviello, Will. "Gambit's 40 Under 40 (2014) | 40 under 40 | Gambit Weekly - New Orleans News and Entertainment". Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  8. ^ a b Deepak Saini (2014-05-20). "The Songbird's Struggle to Success: The Robin Barnes Story". WGNO. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  9. ^ [1][dead link]
  10. ^ ""Songbird Sessions"". Pink and Blue Notes. 2016-07-24. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  11. ^ Kenny Lopez (2016-09-07). "'The Songbird of New Orleans' scores with first Billboard hit". WGNO. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  12. ^ "Robin Barnes - Chart history". Billboard. 2016-09-17. Retrieved 2017-03-18.