- Born
- Died
- Birth nameWilliam Christopher Barnes Jr.
- Billy Barnes was known as the "Revue Master of Hollywood" in the 1950s and 1960s, creating the famous "Billy Barnes Revues", including "Billy Barnes' People", "Billy Barnes' Hollywood", "Billy Barnes' Party", and "Billy Barnes' LA". Barnes composed the ballad "(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair", introduced by his then-wife, Joyce Jameson, in the original "Billy Barnes Revue" and subsequently popularized by Barbra Streisand, and the jazz standard "Something Cool", recorded by June Christy. Barnes was the musical director for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967) television show in the 1960s, and he is famous for composing "special material" - comedic and topical songs - for many of show business's greatest personalities.
- IMDb mini biography by: Paul Gilger
- SpouseJoyce Jameson(1955 - ?) (divorced, 1 child)
- Had a rare (and very funny) recurring acting role on Mad About You (1992) in the 90s.
- Won two Emmy nominations for writing specialty material on TV for such stars as Carol Burnett, Danny Kaye and Sonny & Cher.
- In addition to Richard T. Jordan, his partner of nearly 30 years, Barnes is survived by his son, Tyler, from a 1950s marriage to Joyce Jameson that ended in divorce.
- He first won recognition with a series of satirical stage revues. An assertive composer and skillful pianist, "The Billy Barnes Revues" in the late 50s were used as a springboard for many talented comics/singers on the rise, including: Jo Anne Worley, Ken Berry, Jackie Joseph, Bert Convy, Ann Morgan Guilbert, Dick Patterson, David Ketchum and former wife, Joyce Jameson.
- His son Tyler Jameson Barnes was born on June 21, 1953 in Los Angeles, California.
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