Instruments Vocals | Years active 1958–present | |
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Birth name Sidney Alexander Barnes, Jr. Born February 6, 1941 (age 76)
Welch, West Virginia, United States ( 1941-02-06 ) Origin Welch, West Virginia, United States Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician Labels Motown, Golden World Records Music groups Rotary Connection (1967 – 1974), Parliament Genres Rhythm and blues, Blues, Jazz Albums Mothership Connection, Motor Booty Affair, The Clones of Dr Funkenstein, Live: P‑Funk Earth Tour, Funkentelechy Vs the Placebo | ||
Sidney Alexander Barnes Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He has been active in music since the early 60s with Rotary Connection and as a staff writer with Motown during their time with the New York Office and credits on albums with George Clinton, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, and B.B. King. Barnes has appeared on over 150 albums and CD compilations.
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Early life
Barnes was born in Virginia, USA.
Career
Barnes formed several doo wop groups in high school, and sang with Marvin Gaye and Herb Heemster of Peaches & Herb. He released a solo recording "Wait My Love". In 1963 he and his group The Serenades were signed with Berry Gordy. They made a few recordings, but the group was not financially successful. Sydney joined Motown Records staff as a songwriter. In 1964 Barnes composed and recorded with J.J. Jackson and worked for Blue Cat Records on songs for The Shangri-Las.
In 1966 Sydney returned to Detroit and joined George Clinton at Golden World Records. During this partnership Barnes worked on "I Bet You" for The Jackson 5. When Golden World Records was sold to Motown, Barnes signed with Chess Records and was signed onto Rotary Connection.
Between 1971 and 1999 Barnes worked on TV, radio jingles, recordings and occasionally toured in the west and midwest United States. He took part in a project with Jerry Goldsmith on the soundtrack for Love at First Bite as well as Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend. Barnes has continued writing and performing in a smaller scale since 2000.
Personal life
In 2000 Barnes married and moved to North Carolina. He currently resides in Asheville where he performs locally when not travelling and performing with George Clinton.
Writing credits
Releases
Contributions
Songs
Standing On Solid Ground2006
The Ember Song2011
I Hurt on the Other Side1990