Frederick Jester Barnes (31 May 1885 – 23 October 1938) was an English music hall singer known for his signature song, "The Black Sheep of the Family", which he first performed in 1907.

It was while starring in the pantomime that Barnes acquired his first agent and attracted the attention of another Birmingham-born music hall artist, George Lashwood, who, in Fred's own words, 'took me in hand... [placed] at my disposal, free and unasked, the lessons of his long and brilliant career'.

[2] It was following Cinderella's fourteen-week run that Barnes first performed in London, persuaded by fellow cast members, The Eight Lancashire Lads, to travel with them.

Following his father's death, Fred's career continued to improve,[2] and he toured widely, including visits to Australia and South Africa.

[3] Following the arrest, he was deemed a "menace to His Majesty's fighting forces" (because of the topless sailor who had been travelling with him at the time of the accident), and was banned from attending the Royal Tournament, an annual military tattoo.

Barnes's rent was paid for by Charles Ashmead Watson, while also funding lighting and clothing costs, as well as giving them a weekly allowance of 30 shillings.

[2] Barnes made a number of attempts to return to the stage, most of which were unsuccessful; a final job in the summer of 1938,[2] playing his songs in the Cricketers Inn, Westcliff-on-Sea,[4] restored some of his confidence in his own ability.

His funeral on 2 November 1938, was attended by hundreds of people at St Saviour's Church, Saltley with nearby streets crowded with mourners.

[2] Barnes was free with facts in interviews and in his own account of his life; his numerous publicity stunts which included announcements of his 'near-death' in a fire and a fake marriage.

[2] On occasion, he was known to walk around London at the height of his success with a marmoset perched on his shoulder (later, playing the pubs in Southend, he made do with a chicken).