Randy stepped onto the stage in Richmond, KY at seven years old and never looked back. With his bass, guitar or banjo in hand, he is secure with any acoustical style, whether it is bluegrass, gospel or classic country. Unwavering devotion to the music has earned him an international audience. From his first performance with the PeeWees of Bluegrass, his professional career now spans over 35 years with many highlights and accolades. He has studied and mentored with some of the most talented musicians in the field. Now a 2010 Award-Winner for IBMA Emerging Artist with the Josh Williams Band, his career is reaching new heights.
Popular for his rock-solid bass tones and unflappable timing, Randy’s natural ability to transport any band through technical exchanges with his precision instrumentation has earned him respect from his peers and fans. Known as ‘Thumpit Bass Man,’ he’s a force to be reckoned with when a bass is in his hands, which is nearly always.
With his powerfully precise voice, he carries a multitude of vocal ranges to create perfect harmonic blends in any group. Always a bass and baritone singer, he took on the new and challenging role of tenor vocals with JWB. He nails it with power and clarity. He has a unique talent for anchoring the band, no matter what the position calls for. This musical diversity is what makes him a popular choice among other musicians.
"From his bass playing to his singing to his credibility as a musician and person, they just don't come any more solid than Randy Barnes," according to Kimberly Williams, promoter of several popular festivals and herself a musician with The Expedition Show. Richard Bennett , Lou Reid, Larry Stephenson , Rhonda Vincent and Josh Williams are among other exceptional artists who have welcomed his talent on tour. He is also a member of the brilliant combination of musicians that make up The Mashville Brigade with Ashby Frank, Daryl Webb, Jimmy VanCleve and Aaron McDaris as the founding members. Terry Baucum is the sixth member of The Brigade, stepping in on banjo for Aaron when the band is on tour.
Since Randy joined the dynamic Josh Williams Band, he has been instrumental in developing the electrically-charged magic that is taking the band to new heights. He shares an energized perspective for the music with Josh, Nick Keen and Jason McKendree. Using his personable “WhaYaSay” camaraderie as JWB’s Road Manager, he applies many years of road experience to motivate the band and organize daily activities.
Follow Randy 
Visit the JWB Store
Purchase Randy’s Personal Projects
