Allan Barnes facts for kids

Allan Curtis Barnes (born September 27, 1949 – died July 25, 2016) was an American jazz musician. He spent most of his music career in Detroit.

Allan Barnes' Early Life

Allan Barnes was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 21, 1949. His uncles, Joe and Robert Barnes, were musicians. They gave him his first music lessons. In 1967, Barnes joined the United States Army. He trained at the U.S. Naval School of Music. Later, he was sent to South Vietnam to play in the 4th Division Army Band.

Allan Barnes' Music Career

Allan C. Barnes, around 1981. Photo by Leni Sinclair.

After leaving the Army, Barnes played music on his way back to Detroit. A famous trumpeter named Donald Byrd discovered him. Byrd asked Barnes to join a new band he was forming at Howard University. This band was called the Blackbyrds.

Allan Barnes traveled all over the world with Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. The band's first album sold very well. Barnes wrote two songs for it: "Summer Love" and "The Blackbyrds Theme". Their second album, Flying Start, had a big hit song called "Walking in Rhythm". Barnes played the flute on this song.

Later, Barnes started his own band, called Allan Barnes and Primetime. He played and recorded music with many famous artists. Some of these included Gil Scott-Heron, Nina Simone, Prince, and Bootsy Collins. He also worked with Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson.

During his career, Barnes wrote music for many projects. He co-wrote the song “Disco Dancin'” for the Taste of Honey album. He also co-wrote “Money Makes the World Go Round” with R. Kelly. Barnes wrote music for commercials featuring famous people like Larry King and Muhammad Ali. He created music for the PBS movie One Night's Run. He also wrote music for the PBS series Small Business Magazine. Barnes even created and hosted his own PBS show called Jazzland. He also had a small part in the Clint Eastwood movie Bird (1988).

Later Music Projects

Barnes wrote a classic jazz song called “Until We Meet Again”. He was also featured in a PBS special. It was called American Jazz Greats: Evolution of the Jazz Saxophone. Barnes led a band called Giant Steps. This band had six talented leaders, including Cliff Monear and Marion Hayden. People described his music as inviting and skillful. They said he helped keep the history of jazz alive.

Barnes also worked with modern Detroit hip-hop artists. These included Finale, Big Tone, and Stryfe. He often collaborated with the band Gorilla Funk Mob starting in 2007. Barnes is featured on the album Rebirth of Detroit (2012). On this album, many Detroit hip-hop artists performed over beats by the legendary producer J Dilla.

Allan Barnes' Passing

Allan Barnes passed away on July 25, 2016. He died in Detroit after having a heart attack.

Discography