Barbra Amesbury facts for kids

Barbra Amesbury, born in 1948, is a talented Canadian artist. She is known for many things. Barbra is a generous person who helps others, called a philanthropist. She also writes and sings songs, creates music, and makes films.

In the 1970s, Barbra had several popular songs in Canada. These songs made it into the Top 40 charts. During her music career, she was known as Bill Amesbury. After leaving the music business, Barbra shared that her gender identity is female.

Barbra Amesbury's Music Career

Barbra Amesbury had a big hit song called "Virginia (Touch Me Like You Do)." This song was released in 1974. It was the very first song released by a record company called Casablanca Records.

Popular Songs and Achievements

• "Virginia (Touch Me Like You Do)" reached number 14 in Canada.
• It also reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
• Another song, "Rock My Roll," also became popular in Canada in 1974.
• In 1976, her song "Can You Feel It" was also a minor hit.
• The album with "Can You Feel It" reached number 57 in Canada.

Barbra also wrote songs for other famous singers.

• Her song "Nothin' But a Fool" was sung by Natalie Cole.
• "A Thrill's a Thrill" was recorded by Long John Baldry in 1979.
• This song was also covered by Mitch Ryder with Marianne Faithfull and John Cougar.

In 1976 and 1977, Barbra produced a song called "No Charge" for J.J. Barrie. This song became a number one hit in England. In 1999, "Virginia" received an award from SOCAN. This award was for being played over 100,000 times on Canadian radio stations. In 2002, two songwriters, James Collins and Dave Pickell, released a song about Barbra called "Do You Mind If We Talk About Bill?".

Filmmaking and Art Projects

Barbra Amesbury is also a talented filmmaker and supporter of the arts. She has used her skills to help important causes.

Art Exhibitions and Documentaries

In 1994, Barbra and her partner, Joan Chalmers, created an art exhibition. It was called Survivors, In Search of a Voice: The Art of Courage. This exhibition used stories from breast cancer survivors. These stories inspired 24 women artists to create art. The goal was to raise awareness about breast cancer.

• The exhibition traveled across North America from 1995 to 1998.
• A book was also published to go along with the exhibition.
• Barbra also made a documentary film about the tour.

In 2006 and 2007, Barbra's documentary film was recognized. Her film, The G8 is Coming...The G8 is Coming, was chosen for several film festivals. These included the Rome International Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival.

Supporting Charities

Barbra Amesbury and Joan Chalmers have given a lot of support and donations to many charities. They do this through their Woodlawn Arts Foundation. This foundation helps various organizations and good causes.

Barbra Amesbury's Music Releases

Here are some of Barbra Amesbury's music releases:

• Jus' a Taste of the Kid (1974 – album)
• Can You Feel It (1976 – album)
• "You Belong to Me", b/w "Harlow" (1977 – single)
• "Virginia (Touch Me Like You Do)" (1974 – single)
• "Can You Feel It" (1976 – single)
• "Nothin' But a Fool" – Barbra wrote this song.
• "No Charge" – Barbra produced this song.
• "A Thrill's a Thrill" – Barbra wrote this song.

See also

In Spanish: Barbra Amesbury para niños