Mahalia Barnes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mahalia Barnes
Mahalia Barnes at the APRA Awards, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, May 2012.
Background information
Birth name	Mahalia Violet Barnes
Born	(1982-07-12) 12 July 1982 (age 42)
Origin	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genres	Rock soul funk
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 on July 12, 1982, is an Australian singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of famous Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes.

Mahalia started singing at a young age with her siblings in a children's pop group called The Tin Lids. Later, she formed her own band, Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates. They have released several albums. Mahalia has also worked with many other musicians, including the well-known artist Joe Bonamassa.

Mahalia's Early Life and Music Beginnings

Mahalia Violet Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, on July 12, 1982. Her dad is Jimmy Barnes, a famous Australian rock singer. Her mother, Jane, was born in Thailand. Mahalia was named after a famous American gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

When Mahalia was eight years old, she and her younger siblings, Eliza-Jane "E.J." and Jackie, sang in the children's choir for their dad's album Two Fires. You can hear their voices on the song "When Your Love is Gone".

At nine, Mahalia joined her siblings E.J., Jackie, and Elly-May Barnes to form a children's singing group called The Tin Lids. Their Christmas album, Hey Rudolph!, released in 1991, sold a lot of copies and became a platinum-selling album!

Mahalia's Music Career

Mahalia has released several albums with her band, Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates. These include Mahalia Barnes + the Soul Mates Volume 1 (2008), Mahalia Barnes + the Soul Mates Volume 2 (2012), Ooh Yeah! – The Betty Davis Songbook (2015), and Hard Expectations (2018).

Joining The Voice

In 2012, Mahalia auditioned for the first season of the Australian TV show The Voice. She sang the song "Proud Mary". All the judges, including Keith Urban, turned their chairs for her! They were surprised to learn she was Jimmy Barnes's daughter. Mahalia chose to join Joel Madden's team. She did well in the competition but was eliminated later in the season.

Working with Joe Bonamassa

Mahalia's album Ooh Yeah! – The Betty Davis Songbook, released in 2015, was a special project. It was a tribute to the American funk and soul singer Betty Davis. This album was Mahalia's first time working with the famous guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

The idea for the album came about when Mahalia played some Betty Davis songs for producer Kevin Shirley. He suggested recording an album and inviting Bonamassa to join. Mahalia continued to work with Bonamassa, even singing backup on his album Blues of Desperation. She also toured with him several times, including a European tour in 2017.

Other Music Projects and Friends

Mahalia often performs with her father, Jimmy Barnes. They even recorded a duet together called "Gonna Take Some Time" in 2005.

She has also sung with her friend, R&B singer Jade MacRae. Jade later became a backup singer for Mahalia's father. Mahalia also sang with Jade and Kara Grainger on the debut album of the band The Hands in 2004.

In 2015, Mahalia started managing the singer Reece Mastin. She also helped him with his album Change Colours.

Mahalia's Music Albums

Mahalia has released several albums and extended plays (EPs) throughout her career.

Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles