Robin Barnes, dubbed the “Songbird of New Orleans,” is a jazz singer who incorporates the rhythms and musical traditions of her native city in her exciting performances, often with her band, the Fiya Birds, or in duet with her husband, bassist Pat Casey, as Da Lovebirds.
During her childhood, Barnes was influenced by her father, a bassist, her musical brothers, and by singing in her church choir. She soaked up the gospel, jazz, and blues sounds of her native New Orleans, as well as the popular sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire, Adele, and Amy Winehouse. At Dominican High School, she got her first paid gig performing at a school dance. She went on to attend the University of New Orleans, earning a BA in business management and an MBA, but continued to be drawn to music.
In 2011, she went pro, with her first gig at the historic Hotel Monteleone. She put out her first EP, Me, in 2013, followed by the 2016 Songbird Sessions, which garnered critical and popular acclaim. Songbird Sessions includes tunes by Allen Toussaintn and Irma Thomas, among others, and features drummers Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley, guitarists Steve Masakowski and Danny Abel, and Barnes’ husband, bassist Pat Casey, with whom she often performs and records. The EP debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart, and hit No. 8 on the Current Jazz chart. She recently released the single, “You Give Me,” and is working on a new album.
Barnes performs at noted venues around the world - including London’s Royal Opera House - while holding down residencies at home at prestigious venues like the Monteleone and Windsor Court, and performing at festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The singer has earned many accolades, including a “Forty Under 40” recognition from Forbes and “Favorite New Orleans Musician” by readers of New Orleans magazine. She has appeared on ESPN, BET, and the CBS show, NCIS: New Orleans. She has also been featured in Southwest Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Marie Claire and Southern Living.
In 2013, Barnes returned from an international tour with a rare kidney infection, which forced her to radically change her diet and exercise. The process prompted the entrepreneurial Barnes to create Fit by You/Move Ya Brass, a self-described fitness lifestyle group that includes exercise programs around the city and workout wear. She also mentors students around the city, and serves on the UNO alumni board of directors and as a member of The Beautiful Foundation, a group that serves young women.
