Barbria DeÁnne — The Story Beyond Her Song

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Barbria DeÁnne is a born entertainer. From her earliest days, she was surrounded by a harmonious family whose gifts flowed naturally through music, creativity, and spirit. That deep musical current became her inheritance — and her life’s purpose.

A vocalist nearly all her life, Barbria began singing at the tender age of three alongside her three older sisters, performing as The Haynes Sisters. Their harmonies were a reflection of the soulful sounds that filled their home, inspired by a lineage rich in musical genius. Her mother, Barbara Darleen Grant-Haynes, was a gifted songwriter whose work was produced by Sam Cooke and became the first single released on his SAR Records label in 1960 (“He Cares” – The Soul Stirrers featuring Johnnie Taylor). Her father, James L. Haynes, sang with The Optimistic Quartet. Her cousin, Earma Jean Grant-Thompson, the “Queen of Classic Jazz Piano,” graced stages with legends like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. Her cousin Marshall Thompson is a Grammy Award–winning member of The Chi-Lites, and another cousin, Tony Haynes, is a Grammy-winning songwriter and poet.

That legacy of artistry shaped Barbria’s own musical journey. From gospel roots in the church to her classical training and love of jazz standards, her voice became an instrument of storytelling — blending soul, elegance, and truth. Her influences include the timeless brilliance of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and her all-time favorite, Aretha Franklin.

Barbria’s career foundation began early, leading to a lifetime of performance excellence. She has graced stages with legends such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles, R. Kelly, Karen Briggs, Dorothy Donegan, Enchantment, Mike Phillips, and comedians Bill Cosby and the late Bernie Mac, among others.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Music Entertainment Management, Barbria applies her knowledge and experience as the Chief Executive Officer of Barbi-Tone Entertainment, where she continues to create, perform, and inspire audiences around the world.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Barbria is a published author whose works reflect the same depth and emotion found in her music. Her titles include:

• The Story Beyond My Song

• Baby Takes the Stage

• Landscape of Lies
  She is also working on an upcoming trilogy and a deeply personal new book, The Story Beyond My Mother’s Song, which explores her family’s musical legacy and the generational stories behind their art.

With the release of her soul-stirring single, “If I Could Write a Letter to Heaven,” Barbria continues to soar to new creative heights.

Barbria DeÁnne is more than a singer, writer, or performer — she is a storyteller whose artistry bridges the past, present, and future. A triple threat of voice, vision, and purpose, she remains focused, driven, and unwavering in her belief that there is nothing she cannot do.

Keep an eager ear — and an open heart — for this treasure. Her gifts are timeless, her message is universal, and her talents are truly platinum.

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