Robin Barnes

Robin Barnes is an American jazz singer, vocalist and fitness leader from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, best known for her debut album "Louisiana Love" released in 2026 and her jazz EP "Songbird Sessions" released in 2016. Barnes has a alto-to-first-soprano singing range. She has recorded and performed with artists including Big Freedia, Soul Rebels, Ha Sizzle, Ivan Neville, Louis Michot and Rockin' Dopsie Jr.

In 2027, Barnes will represent Louisiana at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA as the mid-parade entertainer and Louisiana State Music Ambassador.

Early life and education

Barnes was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward around a family of musicians, including Dave Bartholomew. Her ancestry includes Creole, Cajun, Nova Scotian, French and African. A ninth generation Louisianan, Barnes came from gospel and jazz roots, and started singing at 6 in her church choir and she played tambourine in her father's band. After a solo performance of “Ave Maria," she decided she wanted to be a singer. At 17, Hurricane Katrina displaced her family.

Barnes holds a bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans in business management and a master's degree in business administration.

Career

Music

In 2011, she made music her full-time career. Barnes’ first gig was in the Hotel Monteleone; she held residencies at Hotel Monteleone and Windsor Court. Barnes currently has weekly Thursday residency of Da Lovebirds (the duo formed by Robin Barnes and her husband/bassist Pat Casey) at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room.

Barnes has performed multiple times at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, including closing the Lagniappe Stage in 2026. She has grown in popularity since her debut in the United States and in Europe. She has performed throughout Europe, Asia and Australia, including at the Royal Opera House in London. Barnes has been named the “Songbird of New Orleans" by several media outlets. Barnes won “Favorite New Orleans Musician” by New Orleans magazine as well as Gambit Magazine's artist to watch in 2015.

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

Barnes released her debut album, “Louisiana Love,” on May 1, 2026 to honor her ninth-generation Louisiana heritage. 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.

Activism and fitness work

In 2013, after returning from her first international tour, she was diagnosed with a rare kidney infection. After the diagnosis, Barnes founded Move Ya Brass, a New Orleans-centric fitness lifestyle group. The Make Your Move Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Move Ya Brass, supports free fitness classes for youth and the New Orleans community. Barnes was featured on Gambit's 40 under 40 in 2014 for her workout wear.

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.

Personal life

Barnes is married to bass player Pat Casey; they perform together as the duo Da Lovebirds.

Barnes has two daughters, who perform with her on the song “Dey Say Run.”

In 2025, a tumor was discovered in her leg, for which she underwent surgery to have it removed.

Discography

Albums

Singles and EPs

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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Calonder, Angela (October 11, 2019). "'I got a lot of 'no's at first': How New Orleans' songbird Robin Barnes soared above the odds". Very Local. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 April 2026, Lindsay Mack|St Charles Avenue (May 1, 2026). "Robin Barnes". Retrieved September 28, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "Louisiana's Rose Parade Float Returns to Colorado Boulevard for a Sixth Year – Pasadena Now". pasadenanow.com. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  8. ↑ 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)
  9. 1 2 3 Tubre, Kimmie (November 20, 2014). "Robin Barnes | Where Y'at". Whereyat.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  10. ↑ Magazine, Thrive (September 1, 2026). "First Person: Robin Barnes, Award-Winning Singer & Songwriter". Thrive Magazine. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. 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.
  13. ↑ "New Orleans Songbird, Robin Barnes - Health & Fitness Magazine - July 2015". Healthfitnessmag.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  14. 1 2 Gilmore, Brooke (August 27, 2021). "Da Lovebirds with Robin Barnes and Pat Casey to Perform at the SteamPlant - by Brooke Gilmore". Ark Valley Voice. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  15. ↑ Staff, Site (May 12, 2026). "Kimpton Hotel Fontenot Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary". Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  16. ↑ Brasted, Chelsea (April 27, 2026). "Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest". Axios. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  17. 1 2 Deepak Saini (May 20, 2014). "The Songbird's Struggle to Success: The Robin Barnes Story". WGNO. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Robin Barnes Honors Louisiana Lineage Through Debut Album "Louisiana Love"". May 5, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  19. ↑ [dead link]
  20. ↑ ""Songbird Sessions"". Pink and Blue Notes. July 24, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  21. ↑ Kenny Lopez (September 7, 2016). "'The Songbird of New Orleans' scores with first Billboard hit". WGNO. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Robin Barnes - Chart history". Billboard. September 17, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  23. ↑ 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.
  24. ↑ "About Us — Move Ya Brass". Moveyabrass.com. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  25. ↑ April 2026, Lindsay Mack|St Charles Avenue (May 1, 2026). "Robin Barnes". Retrieved September 28, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ↑ 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.
  27. ↑ "My New Orleans: 20 Questions with Robin Barnes". www.neworleans.com. July 13, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2026.