Barbara Lynn, born Barbara Lynn Ozen on January 16, 1942, in Beaumont, Texas, is a pioneering American rhythm and blues and electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Known for her distinctive left-handed guitar playing and soulful voice, she emerged as a trailblazer in the music industry, particularly noted for being one of the first female African American artists to write her own songs and play a lead instrument.

Lynn's musical journey began in her childhood when she played the piano before switching to guitar, inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and blues musicians Guitar Slim and Jimmy Reed. She formed an all-female band, Bobbie Lynn and Her Idols, and gained local attention by winning talent shows and performing in Texas clubs. Her breakthrough came with the 1962 release of "You'll Lose a Good Thing," a song she wrote that topped the R&B charts and reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to performances with legendary artists such as Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, and Gladys Knight, and appearances on shows like American Bandstand.

Throughout the 1960s, Lynn continued to produce hits and recorded for labels such as Jamie Records and Atlantic. Despite her success, she stepped back from the music scene in the 1970s to focus on her family, returning to perform and record in the mid-1980s. Her influence extended beyond her recordings, as her songs were covered by artists like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones, and sampled by contemporary musicians.

In recognition of her contributions to music, Lynn received several accolades, including the National Heritage Fellowship in 2018 and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award in 1999. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, and she remains a celebrated figure in the blues and R&B genres.