B orn in Washington, D.C. Graduated from Armstrong High School in Washington, D.C. Vinnie then Studied music at Howard University and The University
of the District of Columbia. She sang with the singing group: VINNIE BARRETT AND THE UNLIMITS in local Washington D.C. clubs.Vinnie also sang with the FLOWERETTES, who backed up PHIL FLOWERS, a local outstanding artist. Vinnie started writing music at the age of 19 years old.
She went to Philadelphia in 1969, to introduce herself to Kenny Gamble of Gamble, Huff and Thom Bell, owner's of Philadelphia International Records, producers who would forge a deep indent into the music world for the 70's and 80's (see their history on the web).
Vinnie wrote her first selected album cut song: "Just Can't Get you Out Of My Mind" with Thom Bell, produced on the SPINNERS album called THE SPINNERS. In just a few short years, Vinnie wrote such popular songs as; "I Just Don't Want to be Lonely" ...performed by, RONNIE DYSON and then the MAIN INGREDIENT who made it a Gold Record, and 17 other artists. Number 1 record on the Billboard R&B Music Charts.
"Sideshow"...performed by BLUE MAGIC...and 17 other artists, including a platinum record for England's BARRY BIGGS...No 1 on the Billboard R&B Music Charts. "Three Ring Circus" BLUE MAGIC. Top 20 Billboard R&B Music Charts. "Love Won't Let Me Wait"... performed by MAJOR HARRIS, LUTHER VANDROSS, and 32 other Artist. Number 1 record on the Billboard R&B Music Charts. "Just as Long As We Have Love"... performed by THE SPINNERS and DIONNE WARWICK, and several other artists.. Top 10 Billboard R&B Music Charts.
Vinnie is the recipient of 5 Gold and 3 Platinum records; 3 Gold Albums; and she wrote on rap singer, SHAGGY'S, 10,000,000 Diamond album. Vinnie has won numerous BROADCAST MUSIC INC, awards for airplay and is the recipient of the Millionaires award from BMI music for 1,000,000 airplays for the song, "LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT." She won the AFTRA award in 1975 for Best Rythm and Blues award for "LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT." Vinnie also was nominated for 2 GRAMMY awards One for "Love Won't let Me Wait"... and... "Sideshow."
Vinnie has written on great albums for Great artists such as:
Billy Paul
Jeanne Carne
Spinners
Dee Dee Sharpe
Be Be and Cee Cee Wynans and Others
The recent hit song of the late 90's was a song called "TRANQUILITY" performed by artist, AL JOHNSON, original lead singer for the singing group "THE UNIFICS."
Ms. Barrett has been active in Music Seminars for WAMI Radio and Recording Indsutry Conventions, Performing Arts School, Songwriting workshops, and the R&B Music Society.
Vinnie won 5 Gold and 3 Platinum records; 3 Gold Albums and a Diamond album (10,000,000) by Shaggy's. She is the recipient AFTRA award in 1975 for Best Rhythm and Blues award, numerous Broadcast Music Inc, awards for airplay and the Millionaires award from BMI music by "Love won't let me wait" (1,000,000 airplays for the song).
She also was nominated for 2 Grammy awards by Love Won't let Me Wait and Sideshow.
The last hit song of the late 90's was a song called "Tranquility" performed by Al Johnson of the Unifics.
4 Billboard Citations for Airplay
1 Billboard Publisher's Award for "Sideshow"
NATRA Award for Composition "Love Won't Let Me Wait"
(2) Grammy Nominations for "Love Won't Let Me Wait" &* "Sideshow"
BMI "Love Won't Let Me Wait" Millionaire's Award
Poo Poo Publishing Co - "SideShow" - Millionaire's Award - BMI
Songwriter - "SideShow" - Millionaire's Award