Born James Jay Barnes on November 30th 1943 in Detroit and died December 20th 2022 aged 79. Always a favourite on the Northern Soul scene, his 1965 recording, “Please Let Me In” is widely regarded as an anthem, and defining song in soul clubs up and down the country.
His first recording in 1960 was “My Love Came Tumbling Down” on Kable Records. He then recorded a number of records on Mickay’s Records with the first one “Just One More Time“, recorded in 1963 being sought after by record collectors. In 1964 he released one record on Ring Records “Poor Unfortunate Me“.
His seventh recording, “Please Let Me In” was released on Ric-Tic and subsequently “Real Humdinger” which charted at number 20 on the R&B chart, and even reached number 60 on the pop chart.
“The biggest mistake I made, was going to Motown”
Barnes signed to Motown but this was an unfruitful period in terms of recording. He co-wrote several songs including the atmospheric pounding “Show Me The Way” recorded by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and “Don’t Make Hurting Me A Habit” recorded by The Marvelettes.
Barnes’ smooth velvety voice was equal to Marvin Gaye and Marvin who was married to Berry Gordy’s sister at the time complained to Berry Gordy that Barnes’ sound was too similar and a threat to Gaye. Eddie Holland confirms this and told Barnes that unless he came up with a whole new style, he wouldn’t get records released at Motown and he was proved to be right.
- Real Humdinger – RicTic (EX) £15
- How Long – Casino Classics (EX+) £10
- Poor Unfortunate Me – Ring Records (EX w.o.l) £15
- Real Humdinger – Tamla Motown EP (EX+) £10
- Sweet Sherry – Contempo (EX+) £20
- How Long – Contempo (EX) £20
- Sweet Sherry – Groovesville Reissue (EX+) £10
- Please Let Me In – Ric Tic (VG+) £10
Tony Dellar
“On a visit to Contempo Records in London, I found out J.J. Barnes was touring the UK and managed to book him to come to the Howard Mallett Club (Cambridge) in November. It was an amazing night”
Ginger Taylor
“Yes, it was 1973 and I saw him at the Okeh Club in Keighley. One of the best northern soul acts ever and “Please Let Me In” is an all time favourite. I own a rare white demo and it is a prize record in my collection.”
HEAL 