JJ BARNES

Biography

James Jay Barnes, born November 30, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, was an American R&B singer and songwriter who became one of the most beloved artists on the U.K. northern soul scene despite achieving limited commercial success in his native United States.[1][3] Growing up in Detroit's fertile music landscape, Barnes was immersed in gospel music from an early age, performing with his family on the gospel circuit alongside legendary artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the Fairfield Four. At age 15, he joined the gospel quartet the Hurricane Travelers, which led to his first professional recording experience. His early career was marked by work with some of Motown's finest studio musicians, including members of the legendary Funk Brothers, on his 1960 debut single "Won't You Let Me Know."[2]

Throughout the 1960s, Barnes recorded for multiple labels including Mickays, Scepter, Ric-Tic, and Revilot, establishing himself as both a skilled vocalist and respected songwriter.[1] While Berry Gordy of Motown chose not to release Barnes's records as a solo artist—reportedly believing his sound was too similar to Marvin Gaye—he recognized Barnes's songwriting talents and had him co-write tracks for Martha & the Vandellas ("Show Me the Way," 1967) and the Marvelettes ("Don't Make Hurting Me a Habit," 1968).[1] His recordings, particularly "Please Let Me In" (1965) and "Our Love Is in the Pocket" (1968), became foundational cornerstones of the northern soul movement in the United Kingdom, despite being largely ignored in America. After Edwin Starr encouraged him to pursue opportunities in England, Barnes obtained his first passport in 1973 and performed at a sold-out show at the 100 Club in London, eventually wearing out three passports from frequent transatlantic travel.[2]

Barnes remained active for over 50 years, continuing to record and perform into the 2000s.[3] In the 1980s, he released material for Ian Levine's Motor City label, including a cover of Frank Wilson's northern soul classic "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)."[1] His music experienced a revival in the early 2000s through garage rock band the Dirtbombs, who covered his song "Chains of Love" on their 2001 album Ultraglide in Black.[3] Barnes passed away on December 10, 2022, shortly after his 79th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as a crucial figure in northern soul history and a testament to the enduring power of soul music across generations and continents.[3]

Fun Facts

• Barnes wore out three passports traveling between the United States and the United Kingdom after obtaining his first passport in 1973, demonstrating his dedication to performing on the northern soul circuit.[2]
• Despite being signed to both Stax and Motown in the 1960s, Berry Gordy decided not to release any of Barnes's solo records as a Motown artist, instead utilizing him exclusively for his songwriting abilities, believing his vocal style was too similar to Marvin Gaye.[1]
• His recording "Please Let Me In" (1965) was virtually ignored upon its initial release but became an all-time northern soul classic after being introduced to the Wheel by Ian Levine and first played by Les Cokell in early 1969.[1]
• Barnes performed on his 1960 debut with members of what would become the legendary Motown Funk Brothers studio band, including drummer Benny Benjamin, pianist Joe Hunter, guitarist Don Davis, and bassist James Jamerson.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Gospel circuit performer who influenced Barnes's early musical development (Gospel performances on the touring circuit) [Early childhood/1950s]
• Johnny Starks - Friend who helped Barnes land his first professional gig with the Hurricane Travelers gospel quartet (Hurricane Travelers debut) [Age 15 (circa 1958)]
• Edwin Starr - Ric-Tic label friend who encouraged Barnes to pursue opportunities in the U.K. northern soul scene (Career guidance and relocation to England) [1970s onwards]

Key Collaborators

• Benny Benjamin - Funk Brothers drummer on Barnes's early recordings ("Won't You Let Me Know" (1960)) [1960]
• Joe Hunter - Funk Brothers pianist on Barnes's early recordings ("Won't You Let Me Know" (1960)) [1960]
• Don Davis - Lead guitarist on Barnes's early Motown studio sessions ("Won't You Let Me Know" (1960)) [1960]
• James Jamerson - Funk Brothers bassist on Barnes's early recordings ("Won't You Let Me Know" (1960)) [1960]
• Ian Levine - Producer and label owner who worked with Barnes on later recordings and helped introduce his music to the northern soul scene (Motor City label releases, "Talk of the Grapevine," "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)") [1980s onwards]
• Martha & the Vandellas - Co-wrote songwriting collaboration ("Show Me the Way" (1967)) [1967]
• The Marvelettes - Co-wrote songwriting collaboration ("Don't Make Hurting Me a Habit" (1968)) [1968]

Artists Influenced

• The Dirtbombs - Garage rock band that covered Barnes's music and helped revive his career in the early 2000s ("Chains of Love" on Ultraglide in Black album) [2001]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Every Time I See You, I Go Wild! (A Cellarful Of Motown! (Vol. 2))
2. Talk Of The Grapevine (JJ Barnes is Northern Soul)
3. Chains Of Love (Rare Stamps)
4. You Owe It to Yourself (Best of Perception & Today Records Compiled by DJ Spinna and Bbe Soundsystem)
5. Come On Back (Rare Stamps)
6. (Tell Me) Ain't It The Truth (Express Your Soul)
7. Show Me The Way (Essential Motown - Northern Soul)
8. Got To Get Rid Of You (The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971)
9. Wishful Thinking (Best of Perception & Today Records Compiled by DJ Spinna and Bbe Soundsystem)
10. (Tell Me) Ain't It The Truth (A Cellarful Of Motown!)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia