Vinnie Barrett (born Gwendolyn Hines Woolfolk; 1945) is an American songwriter and musician.

Career

Barrett graduated from Armstrong High School in Washington, D.C. 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 around Washington D.C., and sang with the Flowerettes, a 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 nineteen. Barrett went to Philadelphia in 1969 where she was privileged to work with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell (Philadelphia International Records). Her first solo-written song, "Just Can't Get you Out Of My Mind", appeared on the album Spinners. She wrote popular songs such as, "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely" (Ronnie Dyson); "Sideshow" and "Three Ring Circus", both performed 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); and "Just as Long As We Have Love", performed by Dionne Warwick, and several other artists. Barrett was listed in "Who's Who for Songwriting." Barrett's last hit song of the late 1990s was "Tranquility", performed by Al Johnson. "Recipe for Love" (CD): songs are "Unconditional Love" performed by Ron Tyson (tenor of the Temptations) and "Before the Real Hurting Starts" performed by Ron Tyson and Freda Payne.

Awards

Barrett won 5 Gold and 4 Platinum records; 4 Gold Albums and a Diamond album (10,000,000) by Super Artist,"Shaggy". Barrett received an AFTRA award in 1975; Best Rhythm and Blues award for "Love Won't Let Me Wait"; 9 Broadcast Music Inc, awards for airplay; The BMI Millionaires award for "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (2,000,000 airplays for songwriter). The BMI Millionaires award for "Sideshow" (2,000,000 airplays for songwriter). The BMI Millionaires award for "Sideshow" (1,000,000 airplays for publisher). The latest award given in March 2019 is a BMI millionaires award for 2,000,000 Airplays for "Love Won’t Let Me Wait". 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 Pick of the Litter by The Spinners Nominated for two Grammy awards for "Love Won't Let Me Wait" and "Sideshow".

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

Notable songs