Vinnie Barrett

Vinnie Barrett (born Gwendolyn H. Woolfolk) is an American songwriter and musician, from Washington, DC.

Career

Gwen graduated from "Armstrong High School" in Washington, DC. She studied music at Howard University and The University of the District of Columbia. She started the singing group: Vinnie Barrett and the Unlimits in local clubs (Washington D.C.) and with the Flowerettes, Back up Group for Phil Flowers. Syreeta Wright, Valerie Simpson, Diane Warren and Carly Simon were her inspiration for becoming a songwriter. She started writing music at the age of 19 years.

Vinnie went to Philadelphia in 1969 where she was privileged to work with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell (Philadelphia International Records). She wrote her first solo written song: Just Can't Get you Out Of My Mind with Thom Bell, in the album called The Spinners.

She wrote popular songs such as, Just Don't Want to Be Lonely (Ronnie Dyson), Sideshow and Three Ring Circus performed both by Blue Magic, Love Won't Let Me Wait performed by Luther Vandross, Major Harris, and other artists (Number 1 record on the Billboard R&B Music Charts), Just as Long As We Have Love performed by Dionne Warwick, and several other artists. Vinnie was listed in "Who's Who for Songwriting."

Awards

Vinnie won 5 Gold and 4 Platinum records; 4 Gold Albums and a Diamond album (10,000,000) by Super Artist,"Shaggy". Vinnie received an AFTRA award in 1975; Best Rhythm and Blues award for "LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT"; 7 Broadcast Music Inc, awards for airplay; The BMI Millionaires award for "Love won't let me wait" (1,000,000 airplays for songwriter). The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for songwriter). The BMI Millionaires award for "SIDESHOW" (1,000,000 airplays for PUBLISHER)

RIAA Certified Platinum Video Award "Luther Vandross, "Live at Wembley" Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross, " The best of Love" Platinum Album, CD, Cassette for "Luther Vandross", "Any Love" RIAA Certified Gold Album for "SPINNERS", "Pick of the Litter"

She also was nominated for 2 Grammy awards by "Love Won't let Me Wait" and "Sideshow".

Her last hit song of the late 90's was a song called "Tranquility" performed by Al Johnson.

Singles

Columbia records

Atlantic records

Cheri records

ATCO records

WEA Musik GmbH

RCA Victor

MGM records

CBS

On-U Sound

Casablanca records

Germain records

Rhino records

Frituna

Reggae 92 (Cass, Dol) Side Show, Just Don't (1992)

Jimco records

Disky

Jive records

Edsel records

Collectables

Song Titles

External links

References