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Benny Barnes (singer)

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Benny Barnes
Birth nameBenjamin Milam Barnes, Jr.[1]
Born(1934-01-01)January 1, 1934[2]
Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
DiedAugust 8, 1985(1985-08-08) (aged 51)[2]
GenresCountry
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1956-1977
LabelsStarday, Mercury, Playboy

Benjamin Milam "Benny" Barnes, Jr. (January 1, 1934 – August 8, 1985[2]) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known for his 1956 hit "Poor Man's Riches".

Biography

Barnes was born January 1, 1934 in Beaumont, Texas. He first played ukulele, and then guitar, in his childhood, and entered various talent shows in Beaumont in his teens. He then befriended George Jones, who also mentored him and had him play rhythm guitar in his road band. At a recording session with Jones in Gold Star Studios in 1955, Barnes was encouraged by Starday Records owner and record producer Pappy Daily to audition as an artist. His first Starday release, "Once Again", was issued in 1956. Following three more unsuccessful releases, he issued "Poor Man's Riches" in August 1956, which went to No. 2 on the Billboard country charts. Although later recordings were unsuccessful, Barnes appeared on the Louisiana Hayride and continued to record for various other labels throughout his career. His second chart entry came in 1961 on Mercury Records with "Yearning". At this point, Barnes also operated a tavern in Beaumont. Barnes continued to record until shortly before his death in 1985. Bear Family Records issued a compilation titled Benny Barnes: The Complete 1950s Recordings in 2007.[1][3][4]

Discography

Year Single Peak chart positions[2]
US Country
1956 "Poor Man's Riches" 2
1961 "Yearning" 22
1977 "I've Got Some Getting Over You to Do" 94

References

  1. ^ a b "BARNES, BENJAMIN MILAM, JR. [BENNY]". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 44. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
  3. ^ "Benny Barnes". Allmusic. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  4. ^ Morale III, Amos. "'Poor Man's Riches' singer remembered 25 years after death". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
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