Luther Barnes life and biography

Award-winning gospel artist Luther Barnes began performing professionally when he was only nine years old. During his long career he has been part of a number of groups, released a long list of albums, had his songs featured in films, and even appeared in off-Broadway plays. He has many talents, including singer, songwriter, and pianist.

Luther Barnes was raised in North Carolina as part of a large extended family comprised of many musicians and vocalist. Another love the members shared was of the gospel, in both word and song. When Barnes was only nine, he became part of a group called the Barnes Juniors. It was formed by his father, Reverend F.C. Barnes. Other members were Luther's brothers and one of his uncles. Luther also took part in another family group, the Sunset Jubilaires, and then later in the Budd Gospel Choir. When time came for college, Barnes entered the St. Augustine College located in Raleigh, NC. There he earned a B.A. degree in Music Education. He used that training to become a music teacher at both his former junior high and high schools, and to give private piano and vocal lessons. He has also served as minister of music at his church, and director for On the Rise Youth Choir. Barnes' recording career began in 1987 with the completion of the album, See What the Lord Has Done, released under the Atlanta Records label. Between then and the year 2000, he recorded nearly 20 full-length gospel offerings. Some of the tunes listeners can sample from his albums include "It's a Good Thing to Be Chosen," "How Can You Walk on By," "He'll Come to My Rescue," "We Must Be Ready," "Sometimes I'm Burdened," "Lord I'm Waiting," and "So Satisfied."

Awards
As lead singer of Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires, Red Budd Gospel Choir and the President of Luther Barnes Song Ministries he has received the 1992 Vision Award, and the Stellar and GMWA Excellence Award. He was nominated for his performance on the Barnes Family 1999 release, live Reunion, for The Truth Magazine Award, for Best Traditional Male Vocalist, GMWA 2003 Excellence Awards for Best Traditional Male Vocalist, for a Grammy Award Nomination 2004, for a 2005 Stellar Award, Gospel Heritage Award. He was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Detroit, Michigan, and the 2006 Mississippi Gospel Award. 2007 Stellar Award nomination for song Somehow Someway. GMA Dove Award nominee 2003. Distinguished award from St Augustine College, Feb. 2008. Key to the City of Brunswick, Georgia, January 2008. Key to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia March 2008. at the Virginia Classic of Chesapeake, Spring Gospel Showcase. Served as performer, judge and participant at the Virginia Annual Showcase 2006-2007. Since 1996, host North Carolina Fall Gospel Classic, held at Red Budd Holy Church, Rocky Mount, NC. in early October.

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