Sidney Barnes
Sidney Barnes is an American soul singer, songwriter, and producer known for his extensive career spanning over five decades in R&B, doo-wop, and soul music.
Born Sidney Alexander Barnes Jr. on February 6, 1941, in Welch, West Virginia, he grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and later Washington, D.C., where he was exposed to gospel, country, bluegrass, and emerging rock 'n' roll. He formed vocal groups in school with early collaborators like Marvin Gaye, Van McCoy, and Herb Feemster of Peaches & Herb.
In the early 1960s, Barnes released his debut single "Wait My Love" on Gemini Records and formed The Serenaders with George Kerr, recording "Adios My Love" for Riverside Records. In 1962, they signed with Motown's New York office under Berry Gordy, working as songwriters and producers alongside early stars at Hitsville.
After leaving Motown in 1964, Barnes teamed with J.J. Jackson, writing for artists like Saundra Phillips and recording "I Hurt on the Other Side" for Red Bird. He produced for Golden World Records with George Clinton and Mike Terry, then joined Chess Records in Chicago, working with Ramsey Lewis, The Dells, Bo Diddley, and Muddy Waters. There, he co-led Rotary Connection with Minnie Riperton from 1967-1970, releasing five albums.
Barnes contributed to Earth, Wind & Fire's early concepts with Maurice White, backed Chaka Khan and Deniece Williams, and laid vocals for George Clinton's "Mothership Connection." His solo work included a 1970s Parachute/Casablanca album and the disco hit "Love and Desire" as Arpeggio; he has credits on over 150 albums with acts like The Jackson 5, The Supremes, and B.B. King.
Foot Stompin’ Music
A2 Love In The Moonlight (Renee M. Sabala, Sidney Barnes 3:42)
A3 Get On Up And Dance To The Boogie (Or The Boogie Man Will Get Cha) (Sidney Barnes 5:11)
A4 Disco Queen Dance With Me (Sidney Barnes 6:15)
B1 Hold On I'm Comin (Isaac Hayes-David Porter 5:02)
B2 Gonna Make You My Wife (Renee M. Sabala, Sidney Barnes 3:09)
B3 Your Love Is So Good To Me (Renee M. Sabala, Sidney Barnes 6:11)
B4 Summer Sunshine (Sidney Barnes 3:15)
Label: Parachute Records – RRLP 9009
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco Funk
Sidney Barnes's album Foot Stompin' Music is a a fantastic disco/funk record that provides a cohesive listening experience of catchy, soulful tunes. Released on Parachute Records (a Casablanca Records affiliate), the album captures a vibrant production style characteristic of the late 1970s R&B scene.
It is primarily a soul and funk album with some disco elements. The album is a joy to listen to, featuring catchy tunes, smooth yet vibrant production, and a sound designed to get people on the dance floor.
"Foot Stompin' Music," is one of Barnes's most well-known songs, characterized by an engaging, funky rhythm, a strong drum beat, and a distorted guitar riff. The repetitive and catchy chorus encourages listeners to dance.
Sidney Barnes is a respected figure in soul music, known primarily as a prolific songwriter for other artists, including Marvin Gaye and Van McCoy, before pursuing a solo R&B career. This album is a testament to his creative model of funk.
Reviewers have noted the album's strong coherence as a whole, which they find to be a rare quality for albums from that era.