posted by Robert J. Carmack #@blues2jazzguy
If you just happened to be in attendance at many of the early 80s Stevie Wonder concerts and just by chance wondered “Who was that searing angelic voice coming across the microphone over the music?” Well..chances are,that was Ms. Windy Barnes. “Windy” came whirling into Los Angeles as part of the national touring cast of the Hit musical, The WIZ in 1977. while all good things must come to an end, the The Wiz went on to score as a hit movie and quite a brand item. However, Windy’s sights were on bigger fish. Upon getting a call that Stevie Wonder was trying get in touch with her, Stevie heard her voice at a Richard Pryor Telethon. Stevie over the Television announced “If anyone knew her to please contact him immediately.. one thing lead to another, they finally connected. Windy spent multiple years as a member of Stevie’s backup group “Wonder Love.”
The experience while singing with the great Stevie Wonder, It was not anything I ever witnessed. During that time in my life, I was actually “Living Inside the Music” While touring with Stevie Wonder. Now known as Windy Barnes-Farrell resides still in Los Angeles suburb with her significant other.
This is Windy’s second time around with the lead role in North On South Central, a NAACP multi award winner, Directed by Ms. Carla DuPree Clark and co-written by Larry Robinson and Tu’nook(Barbara Alexander) TPC.
Windy is the total package, as she is also a prolific entertainer and songwriter too. She has written two originals for this musical,Hold On,Be Strong (co-written by Andre Washington) and “Perfect View” also co-written by Andre Washington ,both are featured songs in the famous night club, Alabam ,which she(Eloise) and her husband owns on Central Avenue during the heyday of “the so-called Black Hollywood” up and down Central avenue.” http://windybarnes.com/
In an interview with me recently, the vivacious Windy Barnes-Farell shared what her early up-bringing was like in Chicago. when she was only 3 years old, She would get up on a box in church and sing gospel songs and entertain the congregation every Sunday . “Barnes-Farrell went on to say, “I don’t think I ever thought I was Not going to be an entertainer. With that dream in her head, she left home at 15 years old by 16 she was working as a professional singer, holding her own among veteran singers and flim-flam artist who wanted to take advantage of her . She got her first big break by joining the Comedian Redd Foxx Tour in early 1970s..Windy was finally on her way to greater things. Windy Barnes Farrell noted for her soulful yet angelic voice, is also an accomplished actor, songwriter, producer and choral director. She has written and produced several CDs, numerous musical events, music videos and jingles that have been featured worldwide. Windy is founder and CEO of WINDY CITY ENTERTAINMENT (WCE), a music production company that develops and mentors singers with the WINDY BARNES INTERNATIONAL VOICE ACADEMY (WBIVA). ” Many of today’s young singers don’t have the proper training to “last, or cut it” with the music business, I would say to them. a. learn how to read music b. seek a coach and learn ear training. c. never let go of your dream.” Windy chimed in.
WCE has provided specialized entertainment for the following successful clients; Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows 2007 & 2008, KCET Holiday Celebration, Comedy Central PBS, House of Blues, B.B. Kings, Portman Ritz Carlton – Shanghai, Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Macau, Sirocco – Bangkok, Ed Weinberger, Pastor Shirley Caesar, the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the Lou Rawls Evening of Stars show. Windy has toured extensively with Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, and Michael Bolton to name drop a few. WindyCityEntertainment.net
Windy has starred in various productions including Jezebel, The Wiz, Gospelrella and Voices. She is the proud recipient of the prestigious HAL Award for Theater Excellence. In addition,Windy has performed on five Continents and currently headlines internationally and locally at various venues in and around Los Angeles. “Windy…one of the most beautiful voices in America” – Julio Iglesias.
Go and Catch Windy as Eloise in the Award winning Musical play North On South Central directed by Carla DuPree-Clark & produced by TPC. Sunday March 26 at 5pm The Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro for ticket info (click on following link) http://www.wgt.tix.com or email this writer at blues2jazz2003@yahoo
