Barbara Lynn

July 3, 2011 by TidiousTed

Barbara Lynn (born Barbara Lynn Ozen, later Barbara Lynn Cumby 16 January 1942 in Beaumont, Texas) is an American rhythm and blues guitarist and singer.

She played piano as a child, but switched to guitar. Inspired by blues artists Guitar Slim and Jimmy Reed, and pop acts Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee, she created an all-female band, Bobbie Lynn and Her Idols.

Singer Joe Barry introduced Lynn to producer Huey P Meaux who ran SugarHill Recording Studios and several labels in Houston. Her first single "You’ll Lose A Good Thing" was a #1 R&B hit and Top 10 pop hit in 1962 and was later a country hit for Freddy Fender.

Soon Lynn was touring with such soul music greats as Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown, Al Green, Carla Thomas, Marvin Gaye, Ike and Tina Turner, The Temptations, and B.B. King.

She appeared at the Apollo Theatre, twice on American Bandstand, and even had her song "Oh Baby (We’ve Got A Good Thing Goin’)" recorded by The Rolling Stones.

She married for the first time at age 28 and has three children. While living in Los Angeles Lynn occasionally appeared at local clubs before returning to Beaumont, Texas (where her mother lived) to live and resume her recording career after her husband’s death. She continues to reside in Beaumont.

Lynn was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.

In 2002 electronic musician Moby sampled Lynn’s catchy "I’m A Good Woman" on his album 18. Thus a version of "I’m A.." is available at the compilation Sampled Volume 4.

Discography
1962 You’ll Lose A Good Thing (Jamie)
1963 Don’t Be Cruel (Jamie #1244 45 RPM)
1964 Sister of Soul (Jamie)
1968 Here Is (Atlantic)
1988 You Don’t Have To Go (Ichiban)
1993 So Good (Bullseye Blues)
1996 Until Then I’ll Suffer
2000 Hot Night Tonight (Antone’s)
2004 Blues & Soul Situation (Dialtone)

Text and discography from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia