Billy Barnes (composer)

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Billy Barnes (born January 27, 1927 in Los Angeles, California) is a six-time Emmy Award nominated composer/lyricst. He is best known for his theatrical revues, including The Billy Barnes Revue, Billy Barnes' People, Billy Barnes' Party, Billy Barnes' L.A., and Billy Barnes' Hollywood. Other productions include Movie Star, and Blame It on the Movies. An assertive composer and skillful pianist, Barnes is affectionately known as the "Revue Master of Hollywood."

Billy Barnes' revues were the springboard for many talented comics and singers, including Bert Convy, Ken Berry, Jo Anne Worley, Jackie Joseph, Ann Morgan Guilbert, Dick Patterson, Dave Ketchum and Barnes' former wife, Joyce Jameson.

On television he wrote special material and original musical production numbers for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, The Danny Kaye Show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, Cher and The Carol Burnett Show. He wrote opening production numbers for several Academy Awards telecasts. He has composed comedic and topical songs for many of show business's greatest personalities including Lucille Ball, Bette Davis and Angela Lansbury.

Most notable recordings of his songs include "(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair" by Barbra Streisand and "Something Cool" by June Christy.

Barnes had a rare and very funny recurring acting role on Mad About You in the 1990's as "Mr. Edlin", the musical director and pianist of a community theatre.

Barnes received The Los Angeles Theatre Alliance Governor's Award for his lifetime achievement in the theatre. He resides in the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles.