Bobby Barnes

1970s-1980s soul artist, active in Phoenix, Arizona. Bobby Barnes had a handful of 45s out from the late 60s to the mid 80s but despite his considerable gifts as a gritty no nonsense vocalist, and the collectability of his discs, nothing seems to be known about the guy at all sadly. He never made a bad record in his career and the dates of his early 45s are pretty much educated guesses. Although he is best known as recording in Phoenix, AR his first release was probably cut in New Orleans. Two Of A Kind is a very tasty blues ballad on which Barnes makes a strong impression over a small band backing – his gruff tone and splendid sense of dynamics make this a side that demands repeated listening.