My Story

Butch Barnes was born and raised in Albemarle, North Carolina. His interest throughout his life has been music. His father was the choir director at their church and Butch grew up singing in that choir. Butch’s vocal range allowed him to sing parts from bass to soprano in the choir.

In 1975, he was pursuing a degree in music from Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC. Butch began his professional career as a saxophonist and vocalist at Carowinds Theme Park in Charlotte, NC. He was a co-founder of the group Songbird that became the house band at Carowinds. In 1976, Songbird began touring and played all over the East Coast. Butch remained with Songbird until 1980.

In 1980, Butch auditioned for The Band of Oz and became their saxophone player and one of their vocalists. In 1982, Butch co-wrote the song Super Summer along with Keirth Houston and Warren Moise and it was on the flip side their big hit “Ocean Boulevard”. This song has since been used 4 times for the Dodge “Super New Dodge Summer” and once for the 2014 "Super Honda Summer" commercial that has aired regionally on television and radio.    

In 1985, after five years with the band Butch left the group to focus on his family and the birth of his two sons.  He returned to the Band of Oz from 1991 - 2005. During this time, he became known as the “front man” of the band. He won Instrumentalist of the Year in 2002 and 2003 at The Carolina Beach Music Awards. Band of Oz also won Group of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year numerous times while Butch was part of the Band. Butch performed on all of the group’s albums and various recordings by other bands such as - Coastline, Rickey Godfrey Band, Tin Tymes, Big John Thompson, Jimmy Hall, Mike Stewart, Memphis All Stars, Dink Perry, Billy Scott, and the Breeze Band just to name a few.

In April of 2005, Butch had the opportunity to join Sea-Cruz. This change allowed him to travel less and grow as a vocalist. In 2007, Butch won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Carolina Beach Music Awards. Butch has been the “front man” of Sea-Cruz since joining the band. Butch has also engineered and recorded the “Rockin’ The Boat” album and several of their cd single releases including “Hey Eugene”.

In April of 2014, Butch decided to make the final change in his career and become a DJ. His knowledge and love of music, singing, saxophone playing, entertaining, and personality set him apart from all the rest! Butch will entertain you and your guests and he will give you "more than just the music".

In October of 2016, Butch was inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame with The Band of Oz.  Butch is one of very few DJ's who has been honored with this award.

​In October of 2017, Butch will be inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments in the Beach Music industry while performing with the Band of Oz and Sea-Cruz.