It’s not often that you can lay claim to surpassing a legendary group like The Beatles, but Jimmy Barnes has managed to do just that with the debut today of his 15th #1 career album, Soul Searchin’ (out now through Liberation Music).
The Soul Series started 25 years ago in 1991 with the seven times platinum Soul Deep and the #1 Australian chart debut of the fourth and final instalment in this hugely successful soul series sees Jimmy pull ahead of the Beatles 14 #1 albums in Australia, and sees him draw ever closer to the career #1 totals for Paul McCartney and George Harrison of 16 apiece and John Lennon 17.
Jimmy Barnes said of the feat:
“I feel blessed to still be making music after such a long time in the business and equally I feel privileged that people are still buying our records and coming to the shows – it’s very humbling.
“As for achieving another #1, it’s an absolute honour to be counted amongst such iconic bands and legendary artists.”
Michael Gudinski, Managing Director of the Mushroom Group said;
“I am so proud that all 11 of Jimmy’s solo number ones have been in partnership with the Mushroom Group.
“Jimmy’s singing better than ever and he continues to raise the bar for every Australian performer.”
Soul Searchin’ sees Jimmy uncovering lost soul gems, presenting a glorious snap shot in time. He was joined in the studio by some of the greatest soul musicians ever assembled, including Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and later gaining fame as a member of the Blues Brothers band), Dan Penn (musician, songwriter, and record producer who co-wrote many soul hits of the 1960s) and, of course, The Memphis Boys who date back to original recording sessions from the mid ‘60s to the early ‘70s with Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Joe Tex, amongst many, many others.
Produced by Kevin Shirley, Soul Searchin’ is full to the brim with hidden gems and certified soul classics, all given the inimitable and unmistakable Jimmy Barnes treatment.
MOST #1 ALBUMS IN AUSTRALIA
17 – John Lennon (3 solo + 14 Beatles)
16 – George Harrison (2 solo + 14 Beatles)
16 – Paul McCartney (2 solo + 14 Beatles)
15 – Jimmy Barnes (11 solo + 4 Cold Chisel)
14 – The Beatles
11 – U2
11 – Madonna
09 – Bon Jovi
09 – John Farnham
The soaring guitar riffs, bedazzling horn arrangements and old-school backing vocals that give the new album its alluring, old-fashioned charm will come alive on stage in his August Soul Searchin’ Tour.
The first volume of Jimmy’s autobiography – a childhood memoir called “Working Class Boy” – will be released on September 19.
Soul Searchin’ Tour – all shows on sale NOW. Links on Tour page
For all tour info visit www.frontiertouring.com/jimmybarnes
Fri 12 Aug Entertainment Centre (Theatre) | Adelaide, SA (All Ages)
Ph: 132 849
Sat 13 Aug Crown Theatre | Perth, WA (All Ages)
Ph: 136 100
Sat 20 Aug Jupiters Hotel & Casino | Gold Coast, QLD (All Ages)
Ph: 132 849
Sun 21 Aug QPAC Concert Hall | Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
Ph: 136 246
Thu 25 Aug Palais Theatre | Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)
Ph: 136 100
Sat 27 Aug Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW (All Ages)
Ph: 132 849
One Electric Day – SOLD OUT
Featuring Jimmy Barnes, Icehouse, James Reyne, Russell Morris + The Badloves
Sun 27 Nov One Electric Day, Werribee Park on the Great Lawn, Werribee VIC
Ph: 136 100
SOUL SEARCHIN’ IS OUT NOW THROUGH LIBERATION MUSIC
2 comments
Jimmy Barnes, I knew way back when you were a legend, and now you really are. I have followed you since the Cold Chisel days and then through your solo career. I have been to that many concerts that I can’t remember how many. You are a great ambassador for the music of this country.
Be proud Jimmy, you really deserve the praise that you are getting.
Jimmy Barnes, you ARE the MAN!!! Great work on the new album. Also gives the original artists a new lease of life. Your soul series has definitely broaden my music taste.
Cheers and congrats on another #1 album