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Waterdance Music is the publishing company that represents the entire collection of songs and performances of Jonnie Barnett. Waterdance Music is represented by Barbara Barnett, Jonnie's wife.

Latest News:

Barbara Barnett presented her new book about her husband at Davis-Kidd Bookseller's in Nashville to a warm crowd of 40 folks on Jan. 5, 2009. There she shared some touching and funny stories about Jonnie's life and was glad to sign copies afterwards for some long time friends and Nashville's who's who of song writers, musicians and other story tellers. You can see the cover art or purchase this book on this page.




Jonnie's History:

Jonnie Barnett was a singer and songwriter who started his career as a solo guitarist opening for Cheech and Chong, Frank Zappa, Eric Burdon of The Animals, Ronnie Milsap, Dion, Tom Rush, Hank Williams Jr. and others. For the last 18 years of his life, he became a well known songwriter on the Nashville music scene. He wrote songs for Etta James, Johnny Adams, The Stray Cats, Dobie Gray, Clay Walker, Hank Williams Jr., Eric Burdon, Irma Thomas, Dan Penn and many more. At the time of his death, he was cowriting Lower East Side with Eric Heatherly. They met while performing at a benefit for St. Jude's Hospital in Mississippi.

One Foot in the Blues, co-written by Dan Penn and Carson Whitsett, was nominated in 1997 for a W.C.Handy Award for Best Blues Song of the Year. In 1999, Jonnie worked with Rory Lee to write The Chain of Love - his first country tune.

Jonnie worked with many aspiring, struggling young artists, and they recorded in his studio free of charge. He recognized their talents and ambitions. He sincerely remembered how hard it was for him when first starting out in the business.

There were many people who helped and believed in him. The Chain of Love was always part of Jonnie's life and it continues on.



Eric Burdon and Jonnie Barnett
Eric Burdon & Jonnie (1970)

Rory Lee and Charlie Pride and Jonnie Barnett
Rory Lee, Charlie Pride & Jonnie (2002)
John Prine and Jonnie Barnett in 1980
John Prine & Jonnie (1980)
Jeanne with Clay Walker and Barbara Kaye
Jeanne, Clay Walker & Barbara (2002)
Eric Heatherly on stage in Nashville
Eric Heatherly performs in Nashville (2004)
Dobie Gray and Butch Dillon visit Jonnie's Studio
Dobie Gray, Jonnie, Butch Dillon (2000)
Laughing it up backstage with Cheech & Chong and Jonnie while touring together in 1977.
Cheech & Chong & Jonnie (1977)
   

This is what some artists have had to say about Jonnie:
Clay Walker
www.claywalker.com

"When I first listened to "The Chain of Love", what grabbed me was the simplistic message: love one another. Something so basic, yet something we so often forget. And talk about timeless...a few years have passed since I recorded this song, yet now more than ever we live in a world that will only survive if we remember to love one another.

"The Chain of Love" also remains a favorite of my fans, making it a regular addition to our set list each night and a song that I really enjoy performing."

Rick Chudacoff
(producer, songwriter)

"There was nobody like Jonnie; he is truly unique. He lived his life to the fullest and was always passionate about what he did. Jonnie would have the whole story in his mind when we sat down".

 
Dobie Gray
www.dobiegray.com
"I didn't know Jonnie very long, but it seemed like forever. I loved him and always felt welcome at his home. We were good friends, and I really miss him."
The Mary Shaver Band
www.maryshaverband.com

"In September, 2002, I sang at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN. Jonnie "You Took Away My Blues" Barnett suddenly passed away. His wife, Barbara, asked me to sing at the memorial celebration, which was held at the Bluebird. Dobie Gray ("Drift Away") also performed, and we had a chance to talk about Jonnie and Etta James. Dobie had recorded a song of Jonnie's called "Soul Days". Jonnie's biggest hit was "The Chain of Love" made popular by country artist Clay Walker.

I'll always treasure my friendship with Jonnie. He fed me songs when I was hungry and believed in me from the beginning."

Eric Heatherly
www.ericheatherly.com

"The title hit me in Biloxi, Mississippi. I was there performing an acoustic set for a charity event summer 2002. I met a fellow songwriter, a Cool Cat wearing a 1920's gangster hat named Jonnie Barnett. We were staying at a casino and since neither one of us were big gamblers, we started talking music...a few hours later we had this idea..."the lower east side of life". As soon as I got that hook out of my mouth, Jonnie said, I love it!

We spent the rest of the night coming up with scenarios and angles for writing the song. I was still touring heavily at the time and continued my tour from Biloxi and told Jonnie I'd call him when I got back to Nashville in a few weeks and we could finish the song...that was the last time I ever saw him.

He passed away before I got home. His wife, Barbara, mailed me a tape of Jonnie singing a rough demo of what we started. It brought tears to my eyes when I listened to it. I hope I did him justice by finishing the song. I loved it so much...it became the title cut of the record! I regret not having the chance to hang out more with such an artistic, intelligent human being."

Etta James
www.etta-james.com
"Jonnie, thanks for "Stolen Affection".
Mersaidee Soules
www.mersaideesoules.com

"I met Jonnie at an industry function in Nashville three years ago. I had just moved to town and as most aspiring writer/artist know it can be a real eye opener and struggle trying to get anywhere when you first arrive to town. Jonnie liked my "realness", I was who I was and he agreed to meet with me and hear my songs. Shortly thereafter we started co-writing and finish the song "Just Like California".

We started on a second song and then I got the call from his wife Barbara. Jonnie was in the hospital and it didn't look good. Jonnie truly affected me as a person. I was completely myself in his presence in a town where most "play the game". I was so inspired when he himself told me about the story behind the chain of love.

I am so happy to have been a part of the chain and my attitude is forever changed thanks to knowing Jonnie and his openness to help a young songwriter learn the craft a little more and most of all be "real"."

Austin Cunningham
www.austincunningham.com

"I first met Jonnie through Rory Lee Feek, his co-writer of "Chain Of Love". As I got to know him, I realized that this was a guy who had so much passion for real music that it just rubbed off on you and you couldn't help but love him for it.

Jonnie reminded me of some of the most successful, well-known and absolutely larger-than-life characters that put Nashville on the map. Guys like Faron Young, Merle Kilgore and Bobby Bare. I wasn't in Nashville when they were making it big for themselves, but I've heard the stories and read a lot about them also. I didn't get to be around them, but I got to be around Jonnie Barnett. And he was just like those guys must have been. People with real personality who think their own thoughts and do things their own way.

They don't make 'em like that anymore and it's guys like Jonnie that built this town. I miss Jonnie Barnett. An whether Nashville knows it or not, it misses him too."

James Lee Stanley
www.jamesleestanley.com

"Jonnie Barnett was friend when I needed one. No matter where he was living or performing, if I showed up as planned or unannounced I was welcomed with open arms. And of all of my friends, far and away, the funniest. We laughed ourselves silly every time we got together.

He was also an inspiration to me as a songwriter. He never quit. He never stopped believing that he could write a hit. And he did. And whenever i showed up with a new album of my work, he would sit us down in front of the speakers of his stereo or his studio, burn one and we'd listen to if from one end to the other.

No other friend has been so very generous with his gift of time. There is an empty space in the world shaped like Jonnie and it will not be filled in my lifetime. I miss him like crazy".

Below is a list of songs Jonnie have written or co-written. You can e-mail a request to order a CD of his music by clicking here. All artists and producers who wish to perform these songs, please contact Barbara Barnett at WATERDANCEbmi@comcast.net
Song Title
Double Click
To Listen
 
Song Title
Double Click
To Listen
The Chain Of Love
  Stolen Affection
A Little Bit Of Love
  Back To The Swamp
Right About Now
  I Want To
Go For The Heart
  Sugar Ridge Mountain
One Foot In The Blues
  I Haven't Got A Clue
Tomb Of The Unknown Singer
  Soul Days
Is There No Justice In Love
  Smoke Filled Room
Perfect
  Midnight Rainbow
Some Kind of Crazy
  Once Around My Heart

 

 

Check Out These Fellow Musician Links:
 
Austin Cunningham
 
 
BMI
 
 
Country Music Hall of Fame
 
 
Lyric Canvas Recording Studio
 
 
Mersaidee Soules
 
  NSAI www.nashvillesongwritters.com  
 
Old Town School of Folk Music
 
 
Ten Ten Music
 
 
The Bluebird Cafe
 

 

 
Jonnie sings his hit song "The Chain of Love" on YouTube.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eric Burdon sings a song by Jonnie Barnett, "Tomb of the Unknown Singer" from his album, Survivor (1977).
 
 
 
     
 
Link to The Chain of Love.com web site.
 
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