Lou Ann Barton, born on February 17, 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas, is a renowned American blues singer who has been a significant figure in the Austin, Texas music scene since the 1970s. Known for her powerful voice and stage presence, she has been described as part of a long tradition of women blues singers.

Barton began her music career in the early 1970s, performing in Austin's bars and music clubs. She joined the Austin blues group Triple Threat Revue in 1977, alongside Stevie Ray Vaughan and W. C. Clark. The band was later renamed Double Trouble, with Barton remaining until 1979. In the early 1980s, she performed with the jump blues band Roomful of Blues, where she was discovered by record producer Jerry Wexler.

Her debut album, "Old Enough," was released in 1982 on Asylum Records, co-produced by Jerry Wexler and Glenn Frey. Despite receiving positive reviews, including a four-star rating from Rolling Stone, the album did not achieve commercial success. Her subsequent release, "Forbidden Tones," came out in 1986 on Spindletop Records but also failed to gain a wide audience.

In 1989, Barton returned to her blues roots with the album "Read My Lips," released by Antone's Records, featuring covers of songs by artists like Slim Harpo and Wanda Jackson. She collaborated with Marcia Ball and Angela Strehli on the 1990 release "Dreams Come True."

Barton has made notable appearances on "Austin City Limits," including a performance with the W. C. Clark Blues Revue in 1989 and as a guest of Double Trouble in 2001. She continued to perform actively in Austin and beyond, often collaborating with musicians such as Jimmie Vaughan and appearing at events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Throughout her career, Barton has been celebrated for her dynamic performances and contributions to the blues genre, maintaining a dedicated fan base and influencing many in the music industry.