About

Robino Barnes’ musical journey began at the age of eight, when he picked up the trumpet under the guidance of his uncle, a solo trumpeter in a big band. Even then, Robino found himself drawn to the depth and power of the lower brass. By age nine, he transitioned to baritone horn and played it through junior high before switching to sousaphone in eighth grade.

In ninth grade, Robino convinced his parents to buy him a string bass, and by summer, he persuaded his grandmother to get him his first electric bass and amplifier. This marked the beginning of his lifelong love affair with the bass.

In 1968, Robino began performing professionally with a group called The Fabulous Phantoms. His career paused briefly when he joined the United States Air Force. After his discharge, he returned home and formed New Orleans Express with his brothers Dwight (saxophone) and Kevin (congas, drums, and trumpet). As his family grew, so did his musical circle. He later performed on and off with his son Desmian’s band and even watched his daughter Robin follow in his footsteps as a vocalist.

Eventually, Robino founded his own band, Bean 'N' The Boys, bringing together longtime collaborators from his early career: William Norflin on keys, Arthur Bell on guitar, and Keith Louis, his son’s drummer. The group originally featured vocalist William Willoughby, a fellow church musician, who was later succeeded by Will Barnett—now affectionately known as “Chewy.”

Today, Robino Barnes continues to perform and lead with passion, drawing on decades of experience and a rich musical legacy passed down through generations.