Kenny Barnes

A native Washingtonian, Kenny began singing gospel music in his home church at a very young age. He honed his skills at D.C.’s famed “Duke Ellington School of the Arts”. During this time he sang with several local bands, singing groups (R&B and Gospel), and several stage productions. It wasn’t long before people took notice of his smooth baritone voice. A voice that would eventually lead to him performing and working with some of the biggest names the industry has to offer such as Michael Jackson, George Michael, Bruce Hornsby, the O’Jays, Richard Smallwood, Dottie Peoples to name a few. 

But perhaps his most valuable & memorable experiences came as a member of The New JB’s, where he shared the stage with arguably the greatest pioneer of R&B music, the late, “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. 

Kenny lists Jeffrey Osborne, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross as his musical influences. In them he saw a unique ability to pour their hearts into each and every song they sang, a unique ability that he too possesses. It is a gift that is sure to be appreciated by his audience. With each soulful ballad he sings, full of passionate, heartfelt experiences and captivating vocal performances, Kenny’s intent is to do exactly as his single suggests, “Take You Higher”!!!