Luther Barnes facts for kids

Luther Barnes (born March 10, 1954) is a talented gospel music artist. He is a record producer, director, songwriter, and composer. He is also the lead singer for two groups: Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires, and the Red Budd Gospel Choir.

About Luther Barnes

Luther Barnes is an ordained minister from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. His father, Faircloth Barnes, wrote the famous song "Rough Side of the Mountain." Luther was born on March 10, 1954. He has three brothers.

As a gospel music producer, he has released over 28 CDs. He has performed with many famous gospel artists. These include Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. In 2005, he sang with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir on their album "I'm Amazed" Live. He also sang the national anthem for a Carolina Mudcats baseball game.

Today, Barnes is the Senior Pastor and Founder of the Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount. He started this church in January 2014.

Luther's Education

Luther Barnes graduated from the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools System. He also used to be a teacher. In 1976, he earned a B.A. degree in Music Education from St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was honored as a Distinguished Graduate from the college in February 2008.

Luther's Family

Luther is the son of the late Rev. FC Barnes. He is married to Pamela Anglin Barnes. They have one daughter, Bonita Barnes-Greene, who is married to Mark Greene. Luther also has a grandson named Joshua. He has many other family members, including cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Early Music Journey

At the age of nine, Luther Barnes realized he had a special gift for music. He became the Director of the "On the Rise Youth Choir" at Red Budd Holy Church. In 1987, Barnes released his first album. It was called "See What the Lord has Done."

The Red Budd Gospel Choir

The Red Budd Gospel Choir is made up of members of the Barnes Family and the Red Budd Holy Church. Luther's cousin, Deborah Barnes, is a very important member. She is the lead female singer of the group. Luther has mentored her in music. Together, Luther and Deborah Barnes are famous for the song "I'm Still Holding On." Deborah is known as a powerful singer in gospel music.

Other family members in the group include Wanda Barnes and Lisa Barnes. Luther's daughter, Bonita Barnes-Greene, also sings with them. The choir is well-known on national music charts. Some of their hit songs include "I'm Still Holding On," "So Satisfied," and "Spirit, Fall Fresh." Their song "Somehow Someway" was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2007. The main singers of the choir are Luther, Deborah, and Wanda Barnes. The group has traveled all over the United States, singing and sharing their music. Pastor Barnes, Deborah, and other members still travel and sing today.

Awards and Recognitions

Luther Barnes has received many awards for his music. As the lead singer of Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires and the Red Budd Gospel Choir, he has won several honors. He received the 1992 Vision Award and the Stellar and GMWA Excellence Awards.

He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004. He also received nominations for the Stellar Award in 2005 and 2007. In 2003, he was nominated for a GMA Dove Award. He was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan. He also received the 2006 Mississippi Gospel Award.

In February 2008, he received a distinguished award from St. Augustine's College. He was given the Key to the City of Brunswick, Georgia, in January 2008. He also received the Key to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, in March 2008. Since 1996, he has hosted The Annual North Carolina Fall Gospel Classic. This event is held at Red Budd Holy Church in Rocky Mount, NC, every October.

Red Budd Gospel Choir Albums

• See What The Lord Has Done
• When We All Get To Heaven
• So Satisfied
• He Cares
• An Invitation
• Nothing Can Be Better
• Someone To Lean On
• Barnes Family: A Live Reunion
• Come Fly With Me (Luther Barnes)
• Somehow Someway
• Barnes Family Reunion 2
• The Favor Of God (Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir)

Sunset Jubilaires Albums

• Oh My Lord
• Lord You've Been So Good
• From The Soul
• Enjoying Jesus
• A LIVE Celebration
• Heaven On My Mind
• Barnes Family:A Live Reunion
• Wherever I Go
• Come Fly With Me (Luther Barnes)
• It's Your Time
• Barnes Family Reunion 2
• Another Level