Bingie Barker
b.Lionel Barker
Kingston, Jamaica
Lionel Barker, p.k.a. "Bingie Barker", was born in Kingston Jamaica to ace calypso king " Lord Jellico" and choir singer Esmie. He attended St. Anne's Infant and Primary Schools in Western Kingston, and was a member of both the school and church choirs. A normal mischievious child in the city, Bingie was usually punished by having to accompany his dad to work (playing music) or attending long studio sessions. However, this experience only enhanced his musical appreciation and was constantly influenced through frequent encounters with top musicians like Don Drummond And The Skatalites Crew, Babba Broks, and Bryon Lee, just to mention a few. Occasionally Bingie was rewarded, and allowed to play the triangle or the grater or even sing background vocals on a track or two with his dad. Little Bingie danced to Elvis's hits at North Coast hotels in Jamaica, working with his dad and earning applause, one dollar bills, and Coca Cola for his performances. A live duet with his sister on Radio Jamaica, broadcasted throughout the island, topped Bingie's youth career.
Listening to radio stations and highly competitive sound systems blazing music day and night was normal and Bingie rarely missed a live concert in Kingston. Overwhelming performances at these concerts by local and foreign artists influenced Bingie to the point where he formed a trio, "Bingie And The Astronaughts". Rehersal and lyrics writing dominated the group's lifespan.
 Bingie emigrated to Canada in the seventies, attending college and working with the "Sound of Freedom" band, performing alongside "The Fabulous 5, Inner Circle Band, and an array of international artists. In November 1979, during the Bob Marley Canadian tour, Bingie, as host of the only Afro/Carribean Community program at the time, had the rare opportunity of interviewing, having a photo session, and ground-level conversations with Bob Marley And The Wailers. This interview is aired annually to commemorate Bob's departure since 1981.
In 1990 "Bingie Barker And The Raggamuffin Band" was formed, taking the city of Ottawa like a storm and capturing the "Band Of The Year" and "Vocalist Of The Year" awards. Performances include charity balls, festivals, concerts, private parties and consistently providing entertainment on Rideau Street in Ottawa every Thursday since 1994.
A very intelligent soccer player, Bingie represented Jamaica with the National Squad, Jamaica Juveniles, four top Division 1 Teams and an extended list of clubs and organizations.
Mac Brown, CEO for Rebel.com, is the manager for Bingie Barker, and along with Executive producer Mike Brown, Bingie's Debut CD, called Rebel.com was released on July 24th, 1999 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Ottawa, Canada.
Also, Bingie's video "Mr. President" was released on June 3, 2000 at Barrymore's in Ottawa, Canada.
-- Courtesy - Bingie Barker (RAW #1442) --
-- Press Agent: Nan Lewis, Entertainment Works (RAW #72) |
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