He is the son of the late Rev. FC Barnes. He is married to Pamela Anglin Barnes. He has one daughter, Bonita Barnes-Greene, who is married to Mark Greene, and a grandson, Joshua. Luther also has a host of family members, including: cousins: Deborah Barnes, Wanda Barnes and Lisa Barnes. He has many aunts and uncles, which include: Joyce Smith, Frances Walker, Leora Floyd, Haywood Barnes, Betty Phillips, James Barnes, Ernestine Phillips, the late William "Mann" Barnes, and Roy Barnes.
Early years
At the age of nine, Barnes realized that he had a special gift from the Lord. He became the Director of the "On the Rise Youth Choir" at Red Budd Holy Church. In 1987, Barnes released his first album entitled, "See What the Lord has Done."
The choir is composed of members of the Barnes Family & members of the Red Budd Holy Church. Most notably, his cousin Deborah Barnes. Deborah Barnes is the lead female vocalist of the group, with her many talents. She has been mentored in the music ministry by her cousin, Luther and together Luther Barnes and Deborah Barnes share the fame in the song "Still Holding On." Deborah Barnes is the leading female vocalist heard on most of his music and the music of his father. Deborah Barnes is known as a power house in the gospel music industry. The group also consist of Wanda Barnes, Lisa Barnes, Bonita Barnes-Greene, Sean Barnes, Debbie "Happy" Barnes and other members. They are highly recognized on the national charts. Some of their hits includes "I'm Still Holding On", "So Satisfied", "Spirit, Fall Fresh", "That Other Shore", "Somehow Someway", "No Matter How High I Get" and many others. Their hit "Some How Some Way" was nominated for a 2007 Stellar Award. The choir's lead vocalist are notably Luther, Deborah & Wanda Barnes. The group has appeared and traveled across the United States, singing and ministering. Pastor Barnes, Deborah and other members of the group are still traveling the world singing today.
Awards and nominations
As lead singer of Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires, Red Budd Gospel Choir and the President of Luther Barnes Song Ministries he has received the 1992 Vision Award, and the Stellar and GMWA Excellence Award. He was nominated for his performance on the Barnes Family 1999 release, A Live Reunion, for The Truth Magazine Award, for Best Traditional Male Vocalist, GMWA 2003 Excellence Awards for Best Traditional Male Vocalist, for a Grammy Award Nomination 2004, for a 2005 Stellar Award, and a Gospel Heritage Award. He was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan, the 2006 Mississippi Gospel Award, and a 2007 Stellar Award nomination for Somehow, Someway, GMA Dove Award nominee 2003, Distinguished award from St Augustine College, February 2008, Key to the City of Brunswick, Georgia, January 2008. Key to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia March 2008. at the Virginia Classic of Chesapeake, Spring Gospel Showcase. He served as performer, judge and participant at the Virginia Annual Showcase 2006-2007. Since 1996, he has hosted The Annual North Carolina Fall Gospel Classic, held at Red Budd Holy Church, Rocky Mount, NC in early October.
