Famous N.C. artist captures essence of ‘beach music’ heritage

Continuing to add to the mosaic of Carolina beach music, the all-black “jump nite” dances that were held twice a month at the Durham (N.C.) Armory in the 1940s were a major influence.

 

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Print advertisements from 1943 noted that “white spectators were invited.” That explains how crazy-legged Malcolm Ray “Chicken” Hicks of Durham, a pioneer of shag dancing, got in as a young teenager to observe and learn the fancy footwork of the dancers as their moves evolved from swing to bop.

Later in the 1950s, a “jump nite” armory dance left a lasting impression on Durham native Ernie Barnes, an African-American teen, who attended one night out of curiosity. He said the experience moved him, as “it was the first time my innocence met with the sins of dance.”

In high school, Barnes was interested in studying art, music and literature but was also required to enroll in shop classes to learn about the trades. His masonry instructor introduced Barnes to the sport of weightlifting. Barnes pumped iron. He was captain of the football team and state champion in the shot put.

Barnes attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, majoring in art while on a full athletic scholarship. He was an offensive lineman on the gridiron, and after graduation, Barnes was drafted by the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League in 1959. He played several seasons of pro ball before being forced to retire due to an injury in 1965.

 

At N.C. Central, Ernie Barnes played for coach Herman Reddick.

From that point forward, Barnes’ artistic talent poured out onto canvas. His paintings often dealt with sports and athletes, but he covered the full spectrum of human endeavors. His unique style of elongated bodies, limbs and extremities set his work apart, earning critical acclaim.

 

Barnes’ most famous painting is “The Sugar Shack,” completed in 1976, which is a scene from his memory at the Durham Armory. People are dancing up a storm as a live band wails on. You might say the characters are reflective of “Dirty Dancing” couples on steroids.

What is so intriguing is that there are several versions of this painting. In the original, a banner from the rafters promoted Durham radio station WSRC. The station signed on in 1954 as Durham’s “first black-formatted radio station.”

WSRC’s first day on-air was cut short, as Hurricane Hazel roared into town and knocked the fledgling station off the air by mid-afternoon. However, WSRC returned to the air the next morning. Its staff included Norfley Whitted, the South’s first black disc jockey, Ervin Hester and Jimmy Byrd, better known as “Dr. Jive.”

Motown music artist Marvin Gaye was captivated by Barnes’ painting of “The Sugar Shack.” Gaye sought permission to use it for the cover of his 1976 album, “I Want You.” Barnes agreed and changed the radio banner to WMPG, which incorporated the initials of Marvin Pence Gaye.

 

Barnes also included another banner in his painting to promote the “I Want You” single.

“The Sugar Shack” was also used in television’s sitcom “Good Times,” produced by Norman Lear, appearing both the show’s opening and closing credits during the late 1970s.

Barnes was selected as the official artist of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, and his work was praised by Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee President Peter V. Ueberroth. He said Barnes both “captured the essence of the Olympics and portrayed the city’s ethnic diversity.”

Barnes showed “the power and emotion of sports competition...and the hopes that go into the making of athletes the world over,” Ueberroth added.