Mahalia Barnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mahalia Barnes
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Mahalia Barnes at the APRA Awards, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, May 2012.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mahalia Violet Barnes |
| Born | 12 July 1982 |
| Origin | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Labels | Liberation, Provogue |
| Associated acts | Jimmy Barnes Jade Macrae David Campbell, The Choir of Hard Knocks, Reece Mastin, Joe Bonamassa |
Mahalia Violet Barnes (born 12 July 1982) is an Australian singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of famous Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes. Mahalia started singing when she was very young. She was part of a children's pop group called The Tin Lids with her brothers and sisters. Later, she started her own band, Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates. As of 2025, they have released four albums. Mahalia has also worked with many other musicians, including Joe Bonamassa.
Contents
Early Life and First Songs
Mahalia Violet Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, on 12 July 1982. Her dad is Jimmy Barnes, a well-known rock singer. Her mom is Jane Mahoney. Mahalia was named after a famous American gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.
When Mahalia was eight years old, she sang on her dad's album, Two Fires. Her voice was part of a children's choir on the song "When Your Love is Gone". When she was nine, Mahalia joined her siblings, Eliza-Jane, Jackie, and Elly-May Barnes, to form a singing group called The Tin Lids. Their Christmas album, Hey Rudolph!, released in 1991, sold a lot of copies.
Music Career
Mahalia Barnes has had a busy music career, both on her own and with her band.
Mahalia Barnes and The Soul Mates
Mahalia has recorded four albums with her band, Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates. These albums include Mahalia Barnes + the Soul Mates Volume 1 (2008) and Mahalia Barnes + the Soul Mates Volume 2 (2012). In 2015, they released Ooh Yeah! – The Betty Davis Songbook, which was a special album honoring the funk/soul singer Betty Davis. Their latest album, Hard Expectations, came out in 2018.
In 2012, Mahalia tried out for the first season of the TV show The Voice. She sang "Proud Mary" and all the judges wanted her on their team. She chose to join Joel Madden's team. Mahalia made it far in the competition before being eliminated.
Working with Joe Bonamassa
Mahalia's album Ooh Yeah! – The Betty Davis Songbook was her first time working with the famous guitarist Joe Bonamassa. A music producer suggested they work together. After this, Mahalia continued to sing with Bonamassa. She was a back-up singer on his album Blues of Desperation. She also toured with him several times, including a tour in Europe in 2017.
Other Music Projects
Mahalia has often sung with her father, Jimmy Barnes. They recorded a song together called "Gonna Take Some Time" in 2005. She has also sung with her friend, R&B singer Jade MacRae. They sang together on an album by the band The Hands in 2004.
In early 2015, Mahalia also became the manager for singer Reece Mastin.
Discography
Mahalia Barnes has released several albums and singles throughout her career.
Albums
- Volume 1 (by Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates) – Released: 2008
- Come Together (with Prinnie) – Released: 2012
- Ooh Yeah! – The Betty Davis Songbook (Mahalia Barnes and The Soul Mates featuring Joe Bonamassa) – Released: 2015
- Hard Expectations (by Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates) – Released: 2018
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Mahalia Barnes Live At The Basement – Released: 2006
- Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates (by Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates) – Released: 2007
- Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates Volume 2 (by Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates)
Singles
- "Gonna Take Some Time" (with Jimmy Barnes) – 2005
- "I'm Just Not Ready for Love" (as Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates) – 2008
- "Steppin in Her I. Miller Shoes" (as Mahalia Barnes The Soul Mates featuring Joe Bonamassa) – 2015
