Vinnie Barrett
Encyclopedia
Vinnie Barrett is an American
Songwriter
and Musician
from Washington, DC.
and The University of the District of Columbia
. She started the singing group: Vinnie Barrett and the Unlimits in local clubs(Washington D.C.) and with the Flowerettes, Back up Group for Phil Flowers. Syreeta Wright, Valerie Simpson,Diane Warren, and Carley Simon was her inspiration for becoming a songwriter, she started writing music at the age of 19 years old.
Vinnie went to Philadelphia in 1969, where she was privileged to work with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell
(Philadelphia International Records
).
She wrote her first solo written song: Just Can't Get you Out Of My Mind with Thom Bell
, in the album called The Spinners.
She wrote popular songs as; I Just Don't Want to be Lonely (Ronnie Dyson
), Sideshow
and Three Ring Circus performed both by Blue Magic
,
Love Won't Let Me Wait performed by Luther Vandross
, Major Harris
, and other Artist (Number 1 record on the Billboard
R&B Music Charts), Just as Long As We Have Love performed by Dionne Warwick
, and several other artists. Vinnie was listed in "Who's Who's for songwriting.
The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for songwriter).
The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for PUBLISHER)
RIAA Certified Platinum Video Award "Luther Vandross, "Live At Wembley"
Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross, " The best Of Love"
Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross", "Any Love"
RIAA Certified Gold Album for "SPINNERS", "Pick Of The Litter"
She also was nominated for 2 Grammy awards by "Love Won't let Me Wait
" and "Sideshow
".
The last hit song of the late 90's was a song called "Tranquility" performed by Al Johnson
.
Atlantic Records
ATCO Records
CBS
Casablanca Records
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
and Musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
from Washington, DC.
Career
Gwen Graduated from Armstrong High School in Washington, DC. She studied music at Howard UniversityHoward University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
and The University of the District of Columbia
University of the District of Columbia
The University of the District of Columbia is a historically black, public university located in Washington, D.C. UDC is one of only a few urban land-grant universities in the country and a member of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund...
. She started the singing group: Vinnie Barrett and the Unlimits in local clubs(Washington D.C.) and with the Flowerettes, Back up Group for Phil Flowers. Syreeta Wright, Valerie Simpson,Diane Warren, and Carley Simon was her inspiration for becoming a songwriter, she started writing music at the age of 19 years old.
Vinnie went to Philadelphia in 1969, where she was privileged to work with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell
Thom Bell
Thomas Randolph "Thom" Bell is an American songwriter and producer, best known as one of the creators of the Philadelphia style of soul music in the 1970s. He moved to Philadelphia as a child.-Biography:...
(Philadelphia International Records
Philadelphia International Records
Philadelphia International Records is a record label founded by writer-producers, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971. It was famous for showcasing the sub-genre of Philadelphia soul music and released a string of worldwide hits during the decade.-History:...
).
She wrote her first solo written song: Just Can't Get you Out Of My Mind with Thom Bell
Thom Bell
Thomas Randolph "Thom" Bell is an American songwriter and producer, best known as one of the creators of the Philadelphia style of soul music in the 1970s. He moved to Philadelphia as a child.-Biography:...
, in the album called The Spinners.
She wrote popular songs as; I Just Don't Want to be Lonely (Ronnie Dyson
Ronnie Dyson
Ronnie Dyson was an American singer and actor.-Career:Born in Washington, D.C., Dyson grew up in Brooklyn, New York where he sang in church choirs. At just 18 years of age, he won lead part in the Broadway production of Hair debuting in New York in 1968...
), Sideshow
Sideshow
In America, a sideshow is an extra, secondary production associated with a circus, carnival, fair or other such attraction.- Types of attractions :There are four main types of classic sideshow attractions:...
and Three Ring Circus performed both by Blue Magic
Blue Magic
Blue Magic can refer to:* Blue Magic , a R&B and soul music vocal quintet.*"Blue Magic" , a song from rapper Jay-Z's album American Gangster...
,
Love Won't Let Me Wait performed by Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross
Luther Ronzoni Vandross was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times...
, Major Harris
Major Harris
Major Harris is a former college football quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1980s. Harris was a 1989 All American and finished third and fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He was also the ECAC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989...
, and other Artist (Number 1 record on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
R&B Music Charts), Just as Long As We Have Love performed by Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress and TV show host, who became a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health....
, and several other artists. Vinnie was listed in "Who's Who's for songwriting.
Awards
Vinnie won 5 Gold and 4 Platinum records; 4 Gold Albums and a Diamond album (10,000,000) by Super Artist,"Shaggy". Vinnie is the recipient AFTRA award in 1975 Best Rhythm and Blues award for "LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT", 7 Broadcast Music Inc, awards for airplay, The BMI Millionaires award for "Love won't let me wait" (1,000,000 airplays for songwriter).The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for songwriter).
The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for PUBLISHER)
RIAA Certified Platinum Video Award "Luther Vandross, "Live At Wembley"
Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross, " The best Of Love"
Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross", "Any Love"
RIAA Certified Gold Album for "SPINNERS", "Pick Of The Litter"
She also was nominated for 2 Grammy awards by "Love Won't let Me Wait
Love Won't Let Me Wait
"Love Won't Let Me Wait" is a 1975 single by Major Harris, a former member of R&B/soul group The Delfonics. Written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, the single is considered to be a staple of classic soul playlists and was Harris' only entry into the top five on both the soul and pop charts...
" and "Sideshow
Sideshow
In America, a sideshow is an extra, secondary production associated with a circus, carnival, fair or other such attraction.- Types of attractions :There are four main types of classic sideshow attractions:...
".
The last hit song of the late 90's was a song called "Tranquility" performed by Al Johnson
Al Johnson
Al Johnson may refer to:* Al Johnson , American sportsman* Al Johnson , Canadian Member of Parliament* Al Johnson , Canadian ice hockey player...
.
Atlantic RecordsAtlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
- The Detroit Spinners (LP, Album) Just Can't Get You Out (1973)
- After Loving You / Love Won't Let Me WaitLove Won't Let Me Wait"Love Won't Let Me Wait" is a 1975 single by Major Harris, a former member of R&B/soul group The Delfonics. Written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, the single is considered to be a staple of classic soul playlists and was Harris' only entry into the top five on both the soul and pop charts...
(7", Single) Love Won't Let Me Wait (1974) - Love Won't Let Me WaitLove Won't Let Me Wait"Love Won't Let Me Wait" is a 1975 single by Major Harris, a former member of R&B/soul group The Delfonics. Written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, the single is considered to be a staple of classic soul playlists and was Harris' only entry into the top five on both the soul and pop charts...
/ After Loving You (7", Single) Love Won't Let Me Wait (1974) - My Way (LP) Love Won't Let Me Wait (1974)
- Then Came You (7", Single) Just As Long As We Have Love (1974)
- RIAA Certified Platinum Video Award "Luther Vandross, "Live At Wembley"
- Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross, " The best Of Love"
- Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross", "Any Love"
- RIAA Certified Gold Album for "SPINNERS", "Pick Of The Litter"
Cheri Records
- Brooklyn Express / Just Don't Want To Be Lonely (7") Just Don't Want To Be (1974)
ATCO RecordsAtco RecordsATCO Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, currently operating through WMG's Rhino Entertainment.-Beginnings:Atco Records was founded in 1955 as a division of Atlantic Records. It was devised as an outlet for productions by one of Atlantic's founders, Herb Abramson, who...
- The Magic Of The Blue (LP, Album) Three Ring Circus, You (1974)
- Grateful / I Like You (7", Single) Grateful (1976)
RCA Victor
- The Choice 4 (LP) Hook It Up, Is It Love (1975)
- Just Don't Want To Be Lonely (12") (1987)
CBSCBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
- With All My Love (LP, Album, Gat) Just As Long As We Have (1980)
- Love Attack (CD, Album) Love Won't Let Me Wait CBS Schallplatten GmbH (1988)
Casablanca RecordsCasablanca RecordsCasablanca Records was an American record label started by Neil Bogart, who partnered with Cecil Holmes, Larry Harris, and Buck Reingold in 1973, and based in Los Angeles. The label was formed after all of them had left Buddah Records and secured financing by Warner Bros. Records to start the venture...
- Casablanca Dance Classics (Street Edition) (12") Let's Go All The Way (1986)
Rhino Records
- Soul Hits Of The '70s - Didn't It Blow Your Mind Vol. 15 Love Won't Let Me Wait (1991).
- Can You Dig It? The '70s Soul Experience (Box + 6xCD, Comp, RM) Sideshow, Love Won't L (2001).
Edsel Records
- Life On Mars / What The World Is Coming To (CD) Together Once Again (2005)
Song Titles
- Meantime Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli, Keith Thomas, Benjamin "Bebe" Winans.
- Sideshow Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)
- Bulls Eye Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ West, Kanye Omari (Ca)/ Johnson, Syleena (Ca)
- U Turn Me Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Wayne Alexander, Byron Stingily, Andrew Livingstone, Peter Chalcraft
- Young Love Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Hilson, Keri (Ca)/ Thomas, Damon (Ca)/ Mason, Harvey (Ca)/ Que, J. (Ca)/ Dixon, Antonio (Ca)
- Lady In Red Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Harris, Norman Ray (Ca)
- Lonely Lover Orville Burrell, James Harris Iii, And Terry Lewis, Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli, John Freeman.
- Playing Game Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Holmes, Cecilia (Ca)/ Kent, Clark (Ca)
- Man And Woman Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Leave Me Alone Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Sweet Tomorrow Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)
- Not Like It Was Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- Paradise (Life) Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bruce Hawes (Ca), Robert Miller (Ca), Anthony Cruz (Ca)
- Just A Little Bit Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Freeman, John (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Lyon, Andre (Ca)/ Valenzano, Marcello (Ca)/ Milian, Christina (Ca)
- Talking To Myself Eli, Bobby (Ca)/ Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)
- Three Ring Circus Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- Got To Get You Back Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- Don't Cross The Line Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- Let's Go All The Way Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- The Cold, Cold Walls Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Cary Gilbert, Von Gray
- Save Your Love For Me Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Telling It Like It Is Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Love Won't Let Me Wait Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- A Plain Simple Love Song Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Hooker, Frank Ruppert (Ca) *
- Walkin' In The Footsteps Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Just Don't Want To Be Lonely Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli, John Freeman
- Who Knew My Luck Would Change Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Eli, Bobby (Ca)
- Love Is Just Around The Corner Bobby Eli, Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)
- To Get Love You Must Give Love Barrett, Vinnie (Ca), Bobby Eli
- Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)
- You Won't Have To Tell Me Gooodbye Harris, Norman Ray (Ca)/ Barrett, Vinnie (Ca)/ Hendricks, James Edward (Ca)
External links
- www.geocities.com/vinnie14k/barrett.htm
- profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=29418407