Who Is Jimmy Barnes? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 28, 1956, in Adelaide, Australia, Jimmy Barnes is a celebrated rock singer and songwriter, best known for his powerful vocals and dynamic performances. As of 2025, he is 68 years old. Throughout his illustrious career spanning several decades, Barnes has made significant contributions to the Australian music scene, both as a solo artist and as the frontman for the iconic band Cold Chisel. With numerous chart-topping albums and hit singles under his belt, Barnes remains a hugely influential figure in the industry.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1956 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country |
Popularity
Jimmy Barnes's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jimmy Barnes stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and has a robust physique. While his weight fluctuates due to his lifestyle and rigorous touring schedule, he typically weighs around 200 lbs (90 kg). At 68, he maintains an active lifestyle that contributes to his overall health and vocal stamina, a testament to his dedication to his craft.
In March 1993, Barnes released Heat, which was influenced by the then-current grunge trend and by the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Heat peaked at number two on the ARIA charts, becoming Barnes's first solo album not to peak at number one. The album contained the song "Stone Cold", written by former Cold Chisel bandmate Don Walker.
It marked the first time Jimmy Barnes had worked with any member of his old band for almost a decade. The pair teamed up for an acoustic version of the track for an unplugged album Flesh and Wood, which was released in December 1993 and peaked at number two.
The album included a version, recorded with The Badloves, of The Band's "The Weight", which became a top-ten hit. Also in 1993, Barnes teamed up with Tina Turner for a duet version of "The Best" in the form of a TV promotion for rugby league's Winfield Cup. The single also reached the top ten in 1993.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jimmy Barnes is married to his long-time partner, Jane Mahoney, whom he wed in 1981. Together, they have three children—Eliza-Jane, Mahalia, and Jackie. As of 2025, there are no public indications of any extra-marital relationships, and Barnes continues to express his deep love and commitment to his family. The couple often shares moments of their family life on social media, further endearing them to their fans.
Several of his children are musicians who have on occasion joined him on stage, including drummer Jackie, his sisters Mahalia, Eliza-Jane ("EJ"), and Elly-May, and elder half-brother David Campbell. His wife Jane formed the Jane Barnes Band in the family home during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which in 2023 toured Australia.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jimmy Barnes has an estimated net worth of around $18 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful music career, which includes sales of albums, concert tours, and royalties. Additionally, Barnes has ventured into various business interests, further bolstering his income. Given his enduring popularity and loyal fanbase, it’s expected that his earnings will continue to grow.
Barnes underwent heart surgery in February 2007. On 7 July 2007 Barnes was a presenter at the Australian leg of Live Earth. In August he became a regular presenter on The Know, a pop culture program on the pay-TV channel MAX and has also been a presenter of the Planet Rock program on the Austereo network.
Career, Business and Investments
Jimmy Barnes' career began in the late 1970s as the lead singer of Cold Chisel. The band's music, characterized by a blend of rock, blues, and soul, quickly garnered a massive following in Australia. After the band disbanded in 1983, Barnes launched a successful solo career, releasing hit albums that showcased his remarkable vocal abilities and songwriting talents.
In addition to music, Barnes has authored several books, including autobiographies that delve into his life experiences and struggles. His ventures also extend to various investments, including partnerships in restaurants and merchandise, which have positively impacted his financial status.
James Dixon Barnes ( Swan; born 28 April 1956) is an Australian rock singer. His career, both as a solo performer and as the lead vocalist with the rock band Cold Chisel, has made him one of the most popular and best-selling Australian music artists of all time.
By 2022 he had achieved 15 solo number-one albums in Australia, more than any other artist. He has won many awards, and been nominated for many more. In 2005 he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a solo artist, after also having been an inductee in 1992 as a member of Cold Chisel.
His music has covered many genres, including hard rock, blues rock, soul, R&B, country, country rock, and electronic. Some of his albums were recorded at his own recording studio, Freight Train Studios.
Social Network
Jimmy Barnes is active on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, where he connects with fans and shares personal updates. His engaging posts often highlight his music, family, and philanthropic efforts, reflecting his down-to-earth personality and genuine connection to his followers.
- Instagram: @jimmybarnesofficial
- Facebook: Jimmy Barnes
Cold Chisel reunited in 1997 and released Last Wave of Summer in 1998. Since then Barnes has continued to perform on and off with the band while also pursuing a solo career. In 2013 they established their own record label under which to publish their own music, and signed a deal for distribution and promotion with the Universal Music Group.
In late 2024 the band did a 50th anniversary national tour, finishing with a gig at the VAILO Adelaide 500 post-race concert in Adelaide on 17 November 2024.
Education
While not much is publicized about his formal education, it is widely known that Barnes discovered his passion for music at a young age. Growing up in a working-class family, he faced numerous challenges, which fueled his determination to succeed in the competitive music industry. His life experiences and genuine love for music have been his most significant teachers, influencing his artistry and career choices.
Barnes's second album, For the Working Class Man, was released in December 1985 and included the tracks "I'd Die to Be with You Tonight" and "Working Class Man". For the Working Class Man debuted on the Australian national chart at No. 1 in December 1985 and it remained at No. 1 for seven weeks.
Titled simply Jimmy Barnes in the US, the album was issued in February 1986 to tie in with the release of the Ron Howard film Gung Ho (titled Working Class Man in Australia), which used "Working Class Man".
