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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBARNUM, H.B.(b 1936, Houston TX) Producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist. Moved to Los Angeles at age four, attended UCLA, studied law. He sang with the Robins (who later became the Coasters) while in high school; he later said that the first record he produced was their 'Riot On Cell Block No. 9' (credited to Leiber and Stoller). His own initial success was 'Pink Shoe Laces', a U.S. no. 3 single by Dodie Stevens in 1959. Then to Motown, worked with the Miracles ('Shop Around'), Supremes, Marvelettes, Martha and the Vandellas, etc. About to produce an RCA session for Jesse Belvin, he heard of Belvin's death and did it himself: album The Big Voice Of Barnum (his only top 40 hit was the instrumental 'Lost Love' '61), Everybody Loves H.B. '62. He was an arranger for Lou Rawls '66-8; had success with the Osmonds, Jacksons, Johnny Bristol, Temptations, Junior Walker, Gladys Knight, Chairmen of the Board, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr. He claimed to be responsible for around 100 gold LPs and 160 gold singles, and was still at it. |