What can one say about Billy Barnes? For those that truly know him, not nearly enough about his music, generosity, and witty humor. Born and raised in Evansville Indiana, from an early age it was known that Billy would create music. His first word before the usual ma ma or pa pa, was "de tar den" reaching for his dads 1957 Fender Telecaster from his crib. His musical heritage was a strong one from the beginning. His Grandpa played guitar and banjo in the 20's touring with a traveling band across the Midwest. It was said that he could play any stringed instrument without instruction. His Grandpa and Grandma made a gospel album together in the early 30's and passed their love of music on to Billy's dad, who also played guitar and banjo. Billy's first attempt at guitar was on that 1957 Telecaster of his dads and from that day on he taught himself to play. As time wore on, radio and guitar became Billy's best friend. Major influences by such greats as, Harry Chapin, Bread, Kansas and Journey helped mold his story telling ability. Through tragic events that started to unfold in his life Billy started to write as a release from the pain that he was enduring. Beginning with the death of his beloved Grandpa, who had taught him so much about life, to the sudden, heartbreaking separation from his 1st born daughter, followed by the tragic death of his dad in a car accident at the age of 42, was just the beginning of his release in to writing. A broken marriage and bitter divorce left him devastated over watching his 18 month old son being taken over 700 miles away, and learning 9 months later that his wife had left carrying his daughter. These compiled heartaches were the catalysts that became some of his best loved work. We look forward to the future of this talented musician, knowing that he can truly stir up heartfelt memories to us all and remembering that Christmas time is truly in our hearts...
