“The Blues has taught me that being sad, being happy or just going through life is an experience worth living. The blues is a feeling which I love as it helps me to express things that occur during life’s journey through song. I have many stories to tell regarding life’s experiences.  To me the best way to express is through music. The music speaks when words might fall short.”

James “JB” Barnes: My Mississippi Roots

James Barnes — known to audiences throughout the region as JB — carries the blues in his blood. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Jersey after his family moved east in 1965, he grew up steeped in the sound and spirit of the music. On his father’s side, JB traces his lineage back to Mississippi, the wellspring from which so much of this tradition flows. JB’s new album “My Mississippi Roots” (2025) became more than just family history; they formed the bedrock of his artistic calling. JB didn’t come to the blues casually. He studied the greats —those who laid the path before him, those who continue to shape the form today. That study became devotion, and in 2016, the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame recognized that devotion, honoring him as a “Great Blues Artist.” His first recording, JB’s Favorite Things (2023), established him as an independent artist with something genuine to say. His long-running band, BBD Rhythm & Blues, which he founded in 2012, has been carrying that message across clubs, festivals, and concert halls throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for more than a decade.

(James “JB” Barnes / Photo by Jay Petsko)

JB’s mission is plain spoken yet profound: to honor the artists who came before him while ensuring the blues remains vibrant in the present. His latest project makes that mission personal. My Mississippi Roots is more than a record — it is a testimony. The title track tells the story of JB’s father, Jerry Lee Barnes Sr., a man of quiet determination who journeyed from the deep South to the industrial North in search of work and a better life for his family. “His Mississippi Roots,” JB says, “are my Mississippi Roots.” Produced by guitarist, songwriter, and longtime friend Anthony Krizan, My Mississippi Roots combines JB’s storytelling with contributions from a host of musicians —including his son, Jarred “Arktkt” Barnes — whose playing brings fresh fire to the tradition. The record traverses the landscape of the blues and beyond: original compositions, heartfelt tributes, and reimagined classics all rendered with conviction.

Interview by Michael Limnios                           Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you? 

The Blues has taught me that being sad, being happy or just going through life is an experience worth living. The blues is a feeling which I love as it helps me to express things that occur during life’s journey through song. I have many stories to tell regarding life’s experiences. To me the best way to express is through music. The music speaks when words might fall short.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

There is a little bit of everything on this record for everyone to enjoy. (Jazz, R&B, Rock, Funk) – The common thread pulling it all together is the Blues. My family history comes alive through this record. From the plantations of Mississippi to the struggles afterwards up to the great migration north the Barnes family endured through hard work, great faith and the willingness to stand on the promise of a better future.

Why do you think that Mississippi Blues continues to generate such a devoted following?

It all began there. People are still fascinated with the sound and the transformation of the Blues and the Blues Giants that came from Mississippi. So many great blues artists were from Mississippi, (Muddy, BB, and John Lee Hooker), just to name a few. On this new record I decided to cover a song called, “Lonesome Stranger” written by the great harp player and Mississippi native, Carey Bell. This song is the blues at its best.

“One band or one musician can’t do it alone. It’s a collective need and requires all hands-on deck. The music will speak where words fail. Let’s keep the young people involved and it will grow. I want my songs to be life telling stories to help people relate to the world and each other.” (James “JB” Barnes, carries the blues in his blood / Photo by Jay Petsko)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

I have a local band here in New Jersey called (BBD Rhythm & Blues Band) which I formed during 2012. The band is a trio, (Bass, Drums and Guitar). We have had a lot of success playing in the smaller clubs throughout the tri-state area keeping the blues alive and bringing a lot of joy to the people through the blues we play.  During 2016, myself along with 2 of my band members were inducted into the (New Jersey) Blues Hall of Fame as “Great Blues Artist” – I’m still doing everything possible to live up to this honor.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I would like to see more venues promoting Live Blues shows. I hope the younger generation embraces the Blues with a full understanding of the history of it. I fear the Blues fading away, but not on our watch. We will not let that happen. There are so many blues artist here in the US and worldwide. The blues is here to stay for sure.

What is the impact of the Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I want Blues to be a force to bring people together and never drive them apart.  Everyone at some point has the blues, good, bad or indifferent. We can all celebrate this music together by telling stories through songs. On my latest record, I’m telling several stories through the music and lyrics. My desire is for people to hear and relate to my songs and perhaps make the connection from their own experiences in life.  

“I would like to see more venues promoting Live Blues shows. I hope the younger generation embraces the Blues with a full understanding of the history of it. I fear the Blues fading away, but not on our watch. We will not let that happen. There are so many blues artist here in the US and worldwide. The blues is here to stay for sure.” (James “JB” Barnes / Photo by Jay Petsko)

How can a band/musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience?

One band or one musician can’t do it alone. It’s a collective need and requires all hands-on deck. The music will speak where words fail. Let’s keep the young people involved and it will grow. I want my songs to be life telling stories to help people relate to the world and each other.    

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and juke joints. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

During all performances no matter the size or number of attendees, I approach it the same way no matter where I’m performing. Keep the music real and connect with the audience no matter what. I like to get the audience involved as best as I can. My job is to entertain them with the music, my words and to always to send positive energy.  When you project positive energy, you often get it back.

James “JB” Barnes - Home

(James “JB” Barnes / Photo by Jay Petsko)