Songbird of New Orleans’ Robin Barnes releases debut album ahead of Jazz Fest performance
27th April 2026 · 0 Comments
By Fritz Esker
Contributing Writer
Singing for an audience is in Robin Barnes’ blood. She grew up in the Lower 9th Ward, and when she was 6 years old, a nervous Barnes sang “Ave Maria” to a church full of people. She was anxious enough that her eyes were shut for parts of it. When it ended, she opened her eyes and saw adults with tears in their eyes because they were so moved by the music and the performance.
After that fateful day in church, Barnes kept singing, including performing in her family’s jazz band, The Soul Heirs; her career has steadily grown over the years as she’s aged into adulthood.
Affectionately known as the “Songbird of New Orleans,” Barnes has charted in the Billboard Top 10 with her songs that blend jazz, funk, soul and second-line influences. She has performed in venues around the world and shared the stage with legendary artists like Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Anders Osborne, Aloe Blacc and India.Arie.
Now, the song bird prepares for yet more milestones in her life and career.
On May 1, Barnes will release her debut album, “Louisiana Love.” In celebration, Barnes is hosting a 10 p.m. show, “Festin’ on Frenchman: Robin Barnes’ Album Release Show,” that evening at DBA on Frenchman Street. The show will also feature the FiyaBirds, Chief J’Wan Boudreaux and other special guests. Tickets to the show are $25 and are available online through Eventbrite. Doors open at 9:30 p.m.
In addition to her May 1 show and album release, Barnes’ May 3 Jazz Fest performance will close out the Lagniappe Stage. After over ten Jazz Fest performances, this will be the first time Barnes has ever closed a stage.
The album’s inspiration came from a recent health scare for Barnes. She had a tumor in her leg. As she went through doctors visits, tests, surgery and months of recovery, she contemplated her mortality and what kind of legacy she would leave behind for her then three-year-old daughter. A ninth-generation Louisianian, Barnes said her family cherishes oral history. The family’s history is passed down from eldest daughter to eldest daughter.
“It was the fear of running out of time,” Barnes said. “How do I give nine generations of stories to a three-year-old? It was terrifying.”
“Louisiana Love” is now available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more. It features Creole, Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans music. Collaborators on the album include Ivan Neville and the Soul Rebels, Bruce Sunpie Barnes (Big Chief of the Northside Skull & Bones Gang), Monk Boudreaux (Golden Eagles Big Chief), Rockin Dopsie Jr., Big Freedia, and more.
“I created the album to be a tapestry of my heritage,” Barnes said.
Barnes said she wants the album to feel more like a procession than a playlist. She also wants it to serve as a bridge between Louisiana music and New Orleans music, as she has sometimes seen a disconnect between the two in the past.
“We all love our homes, we all celebrate our lives every day, we all love music, food and family,” Barnes said. “I wanted it (the album) to feel like a journey through time and genres.”
While Barnes has always worked hard on her music, she has also worked hard to improve her community.
About 13 years ago, she was returning from her first international tour when she came down with a kidney infection. Her left kidney sustained serious damage. But she had no insurance and had to use her life savings to pay her medical bills. She was in her 20s but walking with a cane. Doctors advised exercise but gyms and exercise classes cost money.
After discussing her plight with her mother, Barnes’ mom said, “You better get off your ass and move your brass!” Barnes made a social media post asking if any of her followers wanted to join her for a workout. Ten people she had never met before showed up. Barnes got the idea to offer free or donation-based community exercise events and classes. She called it “Move Ya Brass” (moveyabrass.com) in honor of her mother’s pithy expression.
The classes became so popular that Barnes realized she needed to create an official non-profit to support them. She called it the Make Your Move Foundation (makeyourmovenola.org).
The goal is to promote health and well-being in a fun, social and encouraging atmosphere, and to provide free fitness opportunities for the city’s many gig and service industry workers who either cannot afford insurance or have high-deductible insurance (though all are welcome). She understands New Orleanians love their food, so there’s no shaming anyone if they eat a fried seafood po boy.
“You don’t have to be a pro athlete to join us,” Barnes said. “Eat that king cake and work out with us after…You come as a stranger, but you leave as family.”
While preparing for the release of her album and her Jazz Fest performance, Barnes learned she has another tumor on her leg. While it is not yet known whether or not it is cancerous, Barnes is determined to face it with hope and courage, just as she did before. As always, she will find comfort in her music.
“Music is so powerful – it can make someone cry, have joy, have a memory,” Barnes said. “I’m blessed to allow people to be present and let go of their stresses and worries.”
Barnes and her husband, bassist Pat Casey, play a free show called “Da Lovebirds” on Thursdays from 8-10 p.m. at the Peacock Room in the Kimpton Fontenot Hotel.
This article originally published in the April 27, 2026 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
