Robin Barnes

Robin Barnes is an American jazz singer, multi–award-winning vocalist[1] and fitness leader from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, best known for her debut album "Louisiana Love" released in 2026[2] and her jazz EP "Songbird Sessions" released in 2016.[3][4]

Early life

Barnes was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward[5] around a family of musicians, including Dave Bartholomew.[6] A ninth generation Louisianan[7], Barnes came from gospel and jazz roots, and started singing at 6 in her church choir. After a solo performance of “Ave Maria," she decided she wanted to be a singer.[8]

Career

Business

Barnes holds a bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans in business management and a master's degree in business administration.[9] When she returned from Greece, she was diagnosed with a rare kidney infection and changed her diet.[9] After the diagnosis, Barnes founded Fit by You/Move Ya Brass, a New Orleans-centric fitness lifestyle group.[10] Barnes was featured on Gambit's 40 under 40 in 2014 for her workout wear.[11]

Barnes is the At-Large Director on The University of New Orleans International Alumni Board and serves as a member on The Beautiful Foundation, serving uplifting young women.[6]

Music

In 2011, she made music her full-time career.[6] Barnes’ first gig was in the Hotel Monteleone where she still holds a residency along with the Windsor Court.[8] She has grown in popularity since her debut in the United States and in Europe.[12] Barnes has been named the “Songbird of New Orleans" by several media outlets.[12]

Barnes won “Favorite New Orleans Musician” by New Orleans magazine as well as Gambit Magazine's artist to watch in 2015.[13]

She released five songs on her Jazz EP Songbird Sessions on Aug. 26, 2016 through Rhythm Elevation Records.[14] The album was made with bassist Pat Casey. Robin cites influences including Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas.[8] Percussionists Riley and Powell and guitarists Masakowski and Danny Abel also appear.[8] Songbird Sessions debuted at number 5 on the Traditional Jazz Albums Billboard Charts.[15] Her album was also number 8 on the Current Jazz Albums chart.[16]

Barnes released her debut album, “Louisiana Love,” on May 1, 2026[17] to honor her ninth-generation Louisiana heritage.[18] The album features zydeco, Cajun and Creole French influences with New Orleans Jazz and funk. It features guest collaborations from Louisiana artists including Ivan Neville; The Soul Rebels; Mardi Gras Indians Bruce Sunpie Barnes, Monk Boudreaux and J’Wan Boudreaux; Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Dwayne Dopsie and Rusty Metoyer; Louis Michot and Jourdan Thibodeaux; Cedric Watson; Herlin Riley; Drake Leblanc; Ha Sizzle, and Big Freedia.[18]

References

  1. ↑ June 2026, Que Duong|New Orleans Magazine (June 1, 2026). "Homecoming for Robin Barnes, "The Songbird of New Orleans"". Retrieved July 13, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ "Robin Barnes releases her debut album "Louisiana Love" - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  3. ↑ Lopez, Kenny (September 7, 2016). "'The Songbird of New Orleans' scores with first Billboard hit". WGNO. Archived from the original on August 23, 2019.
  4. ↑ "New Orleans Female Jazz Singer & Songwriter Robin Barnes". Robin Barnes Music. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  5. ↑ June 2026, Que Duong|New Orleans Magazine (June 1, 2026). "Homecoming for Robin Barnes, "The Songbird of New Orleans"". Retrieved July 13, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. 1 2 3 Tubre, Kimmie (November 20, 2014). "Robin Barnes | Where Y'at". Whereyat.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  7. ↑ Clapp, Jake (April 26, 2026). "New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes celebrates family love and Louisiana roots on new album". NOLA.com. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Weber, Carol Banks (September 1, 2016). "'Favorite New Orleans Musician' Robin Barnes commands worldwide attention with 'Songbird Sessions'". AXS. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  9. 1 2 "New Orleans Songbird, Robin Barnes - Health & Fitness Magazine - July 2015". Healthfitnessmag.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  10. ↑ "About Us — Move Ya Brass". Moveyabrass.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  11. ↑ Coviello, Will. "Gambit's 40 Under 40 (2014) | 40 under 40 | Gambit Weekly - New Orleans News and Entertainment". Bestofneworleans.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  12. 1 2 Deepak Saini (May 20, 2014). "The Songbird's Struggle to Success: The Robin Barnes Story". WGNO. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  13. ↑
  14. ↑ ""Songbird Sessions"". Pink and Blue Notes. July 24, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  15. ↑ Kenny Lopez (September 7, 2016). "'The Songbird of New Orleans' scores with first Billboard hit". WGNO. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Robin Barnes - Chart history". Billboard. September 17, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  17. ↑ Clapp, Jake (April 26, 2026). "New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes celebrates family love and Louisiana roots on new album". NOLA.com. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Robin Barnes Honors Louisiana Lineage Through Debut Album "Louisiana Love"". May 5, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
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