Chris Barnett

Bio Information

            Since the day I was born in Greenville, SC in August of 1981, I’ve been exposed to the great American tradition of music. I was brought up on the music that defined our culture at the beginnings of this nation with the traditional hymns and folk songs of North America. As I grew up, I acquired a passionate appreciation for those who carried American music through the generations and aided it in its evolution from its early beginnings into the forms that ultimately changed my life. These forms of which I write cover several genres, but there are a hand full that I grew to love, identify with, and later attempt to emulate in writing, playing, singing, and performing. The legends of country music, the masters of Southern rock and blues, the artists of folk and bluegrass, all of which are too many to mention and elaborate on for this short explanation of my life in music, became a fixture on my everyday life. To say the least, I was touched by the music and grew an ambitious desire to replicate the inspiration gained from their work.

My music career began very early in my life. Ever since I can remember I was singing in the choir, or learning voice and piano from my mother who would often play the old hymns and folk songs during my youth. Those early days remain an eminent part of who I am today as an artist. Throughout my childhood and my high school career, I grew an interest in writing and singing. It wasn’t until the latter portion of my high school career that I began to play the guitar and perform the songs that I had written. In fall of 1999, I became a cadet at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. There I found out that I could earn the respect and enjoyment of more than my closest friends and family. I began to perform for large crowds either at school, or around Charleston. I slowly became known throughout the local area thanks to the support and encouragement of my faithful friends from The Citadel who always tried to take it to the next level. I was fortunate to perform throughout the state of South Carolina at various establishments, parties, weddings, colleges, and sporting events. Soon thereafter, my music career had taken me throughout the Southeast and all the way to Texas and Kansas. I have since then tried to become more skillful at the guitar as well as the harmonica, square neck Dobro, and electric slide guitar. So far, I have released two albums; Southbound released in 2003 from Charleston, SC and All The Places That I’ve Been released in 2005 from Memphis, TN. I’m currently working on a third collection of songs from my current home in Kansas and playing at every opportunity that is presented, whether it is downtown or in songwriting/performing competition.

I’m currently living in Wichita, KS and married to such a cool and beautiful girl named Meredith. She’s been so important to any success I’ve experienced in music and she has been such a source of inspiration. I am currently a pilot of a KC-135R, which performs aerial refueling and cargo movement throughout the world. I work with some great folks at McConnell AFB who are very supportive of my musical exploits and I am very grateful for their support.

            Music has always been an integral part to my definition as an individual. As a Christian, I see music as being a God given gift. I will always thank and praise him for what he’s given me that makes me enjoy it so much and I’ll always acknowledge him as being the one to credit first and foremost. My music career is a very humble enterprise. I have no intention of misleading anyone in to believing that I am a superstar in any way. I have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunities that I have been given no matter how great or small and I hope they continue to present themselves. My goal for my music career is to be able to touch the lives of many or even the life of one. If I can honestly say that I had the effect that my heroes of music had on me, then I will find my life in music a very fulfilling one. I have confidence that I will be able to fulfill my goal whether it is on a grand scale or a very minor one. Either way, I will continue to do what I love: write, sing, play, and perform.