Dave Barnes is a rock-r&b singer-songwriter from Kosciusko, Mississippi in the U.S.. Barnes is known – aside from his music – by his humorous and witty anecdotes. As a recording artist, Barnes is one of few successful artists who has achieved critical and some commercial success as an independent recording artist.

 After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, Barnes began touring and in 2002 released his acclaimed five-song EP Three, Then Four, as purely a guitar and vocals release. With this release and the touring performed around it, Barnes’ fan following expanded, with assistance by word of mouth and internet promotion. Barnes toured heavily for over a year after that. Through this period, Barnes met Ed Cash, a record producer who had worked with Bebo Norman in the past.

At the suggestion of Cash, it was then time for Barnes to record a full band studio LP. Barnes released Brother, Bring The Sun in September 2004. This album was critically acclaimed for Barnes’ songwriting and overall high quality presentation for an independent release. Also through its release, Barnes gained notability amongst famous singers Amy Grant (who later performed on Barnes’ Wedding song “I Have And I Always Will”), Vince Gill and John Mayer. In 2005, Barnes co-produced the five song EP Today & Tomorrow for best friend Matt Wertz. Barnes also contributed his songwriting to one of its songs.

In 2006 Barnes released his second full band studio album Chasing Mississippi to a welcome response. The critical response was good, though some critics seemed a little disappointed, if only by the high standard set on the first album. In mid to late 2006, Barnes toured with Matt Wertz with songs from both albums and some newly written material also. In early 2007 Barnes began experimenting with a new outlet for his creative abilities in the area of stand-up comedy. With support from friends, Barnes put together a stand-up comedy routine which he performed in Nashville, Tennessee.

In June 2007, Barnes announced to the world that he had re-entered the studio to record his third album. No details were released, however Barnes jokingly provided a list of song titles that would not be on the album, nor any other album from him. In early 2008, Barnes gave the name of the third album Me and You and the World, and also announced that it would be his major label debut, having signed to the record label Razor and Tie. In promotion of the album, the song “Until You”, which was previously on Brother, Bring the Sun, was re-recorded and released as a single on February 19, 2008. The album was released on April 1, 2008.