Biography
Roosevelt Melvin "Booba" Barnes was born on September 25, 1936, in Longwood, Mississippi, and became a prominent figure in Delta blues music. He began his musical journey at an exceptionally young age, starting to play harmonica on a plantation at just seven years old. By age seventeen, Barnes had decided to pursue music professionally and became a regular performer in the clubs along Greenville's famous Nelson Street, establishing himself as a skilled harmonica player and guitarist in the Mississippi blues scene.
Throughout his career, Barnes developed into a respected Delta blues guitarist and vocalist, eventually leading his own band and operating his own club. He became known for his authentic Delta blues style, drawing from the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi region. Barnes maintained an active presence in the blues community, performing regularly and contributing to the preservation of Delta blues traditions during a period when the genre faced declining popularity.
Booba Barnes passed away on April 2, 1996, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 59. Though he remained relatively obscure in mainstream music circles, he is remembered as a dedicated blues musician who kept the Delta blues tradition alive through his performances and leadership of his own musical ensemble.
Fun Facts
- Barnes began playing harmonica on a Mississippi plantation at just seven years old, demonstrating early musical talent during the height of the Delta blues era
- He became a regular fixture on Greenville's Nelson Street at age seventeen, one of the most important blues venues in Mississippi during that period
- Barnes not only performed as a musician but also owned and operated his own blues club, making him both an artist and entrepreneur in the blues community
- Despite his significant contributions to Delta blues music, Barnes maintained relatively low mainstream popularity, with a Spotify popularity rating of only 1, reflecting the niche audience for traditional Delta blues
Musical Connections
Discography
Top Tracks
- Heartbroken Man - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
- Ain't Gonna Worry About Tomorrow - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
- Love Like I Wanna - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
- Louise (Chicago's Best West & South Side Blues Singers Vol.1)
- Booba Barnes - Heartbroken Man (Chicago's Best West & South Side Blues Singers Vol.1)
- Booba Barnes - How Many More Years (Chicago's Best West & South Side Blues Singers Vol.1)
- Booba Barnes - Heartbroken Man (Long Version) (Chicago's Best West & South Side Blues Singers Vol.1)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
booba barnes has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26, 2025 | 14:19 | How Many More Yearsfrom chicago best west side singers | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 15:33 | LOVE LIKE I WANNAfrom DEEP BLUES | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |