John Barnes

John Barnes (15 May 1932 – 19 April 2022) was a British jazz saxophonist and clarinettist, who played New Orleans-styled jazz in his early career, but later also played saxophones in the mainstream style. He was also a music composer for comedy shows, including Living Single.

Biography John Barnes was born in Manchester on 15 May 1932. He started out his career as a flügelhorn player in the early 1950s, although adapted his playing skills to the clarinet, an instrument he favoured.

Barnes also worked with many notable artists, including Janet Jackson, Leo Sayer, Humphrey Lyttelton, Gerry Mulligan, Spike Robinson, Bobby Wellins and Keith Nichols. In May 1964, after a bad car crash Barnes as a member of Alex Welsh band was replaced by Al Gay, until his full rehabilitation. Barnes considered Coleman Hawkins and Johnny Hodges to be his two main saxophone influences throughout his career.

Personal life and death In 2011, while on holiday in Greece, Barnes suffered a stroke. As a result of his stroke, on 9 February 2012, a benefit concert was held for Barnes at the 100 Club in Oxford Street, London.

Barnes died on 19 April 2022, at the age of 89.