b. Hidle Brown Barnum, 15th July 1936, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
H.B. Barnum is a producer and arranger who has a resume that dates back to the 1950's
As an artist, he debuted with the album 'The Big Voice of Barnum' in 1960.
His instrumental 'Lost Love' was a Top 40 hit in 1961.
During the '60's, H.B.Barnum recorded two albums for RCA, 'The Big Voice Of Barnum - H.B. That Is', and 'Everybody Loves H.B.-Barnum That Is', that highlighted his keyboard-playing, songwriting skills and vocal abilities.
He also recorded for Capitol ('The Record', 1965), but most of his work during the '60's / 70's was as an accomplished arranger.
He has arranged for Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, Martha Reeves, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Marvelettes, O.C. Smith, Greg Perry, Lamont Dozier ('Fish Ain't Bitin'), Michael Wycoff ('Looking Up To You'), Aretha Franklin ('When I Think About You'), Jesse James ('If You Want A Love Affair', which he also co-wrote), Johnny Bristol ('Hang On In There Baby') and Gladys Knight & The Pips ('Help Me Make It Through The Night').
He also wrote and produced for Jimmy Norman ('I Wanna Make Love To You', Buddah, 1975), and the excellent Gloria Bare ('From The Heart').
Albums:
The Big Voice Of Barnum (RCA 1960)
Everybody Loves H.B.Barnum That Is (RCA 1962)
The Record (Capitol 1965)
Big Hits from Detroit (Capitol 1965)
Pop And Ice Cream Soda's - H.B. Barnum Sings' (Capitol Records T-2583)
