Detroit Legend Ortheia Barnes passes away

[stingbeelee]

Just read in the Detroit papers that Ortheia Barnes has passed away. She made recordings for some of the local labels here in Detroit...
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/obituaries/2015/05/15/ortheia-barnes-detroit-singer-minister-dies/27403563/
and...
http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2015/05/15/ortheia-barnes-kennerly-obituary/27409865/

[marv2]

Devasted here! She was the most friendliest, welcoming person I've met in my life. We use to go over to her place after concerts and she would feed us, talk to us, sing for us and even dance with us! Ortheia Barnes was a big part of what I call hometown Detroit. A very talented singer, nightclub owner and just a great human being. I will miss her. Rip Ms Barnes. Thank you for everything and we will always remember you.

Marv

[Ken Sands]

I sure will miss her!! She and Millie Vaney were an incredible powerhouse duo!!

[ralpht]

Hey Ken
Did you engineer any of her sessions?

[gary]

I sure will miss her!! She and Millie Vaney were an incredible powerhouse duo!!

Agreed, Ken. Ortheia and Mildred were incredible together. They used to appear with their band every Friday night at Edison Plaza in the late 70s/early 80s. It was the hottest after work spot in Detroit in those days and they would turn the place out every night. Her club on 8 Mile was equally popular. R.I.P Ortheia.

[StuBass1]

Ortheia was the best with always a kind word and a dynamic voice...I used to see Orthea and Mildred perform at Dougs Body Shop in Ferndale. Of course she was JJ's sister..

[glencro]

She was a very friendly and welcoming person. I remember one year Jennifer Holliday did a weekend engagement at her club Orthea's Place. She just took a seat at our table for a few minutes and really engaged in conversation with us [[her patrons) as if we were old friends. I don't believe that anyone was a stranger to her. She will be missed.

[marv2]

Remembering Ortheia Barnes



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvGr3LYu0As