I've just received confirmation of the sad news of the death of saxophonist Johnny Barnes. Barnes, who died on April 18, was a former mainstay of the bands of Alex Welsh and Humphrey Lyttelton playing many times in the north east and was a close friend of JNE founder members Randy Heads and Margaret Barnes.
His gutsy playing, particularly on baritone sax, enabled him to be considered by many as the doyen of British mainstream practitioners of that instrument. The news of his passing has come just under a month of what would have been his ninetieth birthday. The above September 1981 photo was taken on one of his many appearances at the Corner House, Heaton. Sadly missed - Lance
2 comments :
Sorry to here that Johnny Barnes has pass away. A great Saxophone 🎷 player he will be missed RIP Barry Aitchison
Many years ago I used to take every opportunity to go to the Fishmonger's Arms to follow Alex Welsh. Particularly loved the band with John Barnes and Roy Williams. I followed both of them .
Had the opportunity to play behind John Barnes a couple of times. Great baritone!
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