06/24/2026
Black Music Month is an opportunity to recognize the artists who transformed American music and inspired generations. This June, we're celebrating the remarkable Black musicians with ties to Southeast Texas whose stories are preserved at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Our Black Music Month spotlight today shines on Barbara Lynn.
Born Barbara Lynn Ozen in Beaumont, Texas, Barbara Lynn became one of the most successful female guitarists, singers, and songwriters in rhythm and blues history. Inspired by seeing Elvis Presley on television, she switched from piano to guitar and taught herself to play left-handed by listening to songs on the radio. While still in school, she formed an all-girl band called Barbara Lynn and The Idols.
Her breakthrough came in 1962 with the self-written hit "You'll Lose a Good Thing," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and the Top 10 on the pop charts. The song became an enduring classic and was later recorded by artists including Aretha Franklin and Freddy Fender.
Lynn's success led to tours with many of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown, and B. B. King. She also appeared twice on American Bandstand, and The Rolling Stones personally requested permission to record one of her songs.
Throughout her career, Barbara Lynn wrote nearly 30 songs and earned numerous honors, including the National Heritage Fellowship, the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
Barbara Lynn's talent, determination, and groundbreaking success helped pave the way for future generations of women in blues, R&B, and rock music.
