What Guitar Did Barbara Lynn Play?
If you’re trying to figure out what guitar Barbara Lynn played, you’re not alone. The legendary acoustic guitar player has been a topic of much debate over the years. She is well-known for her hits, but what kind of guitar did she play? The answer may surprise you.
acoustic
The renowned soul singer, Barbara Lynn, started playing the guitar when she was in grade school. She wrote her own songs and performed them in talent shows and clubs. She eventually got signed to a record label and performed with other legendary artists including BB King, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. Her first number one hit, ‘You’ll Lose A Good Thing,’ made her one of the most popular artists of the 1960s. In her early career, she performed in clubs and began recording with Houston-based producer Huey P. Meaux. Her single reached the top of both the pop and R&B charts. In recent years, she has adapted to a left-handed playing style.
The singer has released two albums in the 1980s, one in the 1990s, and a fourth in 2004. Her music is still very popular and has a loyal following nationwide, especially in the East Texas area. In 2010, she was honored with a street named after her in Beaumont, Texas. She continues to tour extensively. In 2010, Light in the Attic Records re-released her acclaimed first album, “Here is Barbara Lynn.”
In recognition of Lynn’s contribution to music and culture, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced her as a “National Heritage Fellow.” She will receive a cash award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Her work was instrumental in the Gulf Coast R&B sound, and was covered by the Rolling Stones on their “Now!” album.
After her career as a singer and songwriter, she continues to live in Beaumont. She was nominated for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award in 1999, and her songs were sampled by electronic artist Moby. She continues to be a popular presence in the community, and her music has influenced generations of artists.
Earth, Wind & Fire is not known for its guitars, but their rhythm guitarist Al McKay was indispensable to the 1970s hit “Jumpin’ Jack Johnson,” and other hits by the band. The bassist Paul King, meanwhile, was best known for his Hofner 500/1 violin bass. He was able to play subtlety with the instrument.
acoustic guitar
For years, Barbara Lynn has been at the vanguard of Texas R&B music. Today, she is known as the Empress of Gulf Coast Soul and is celebrated for her fiery guitar style, unique songwriting and soulful voice. She was the first female guitarist to appear on television and is credited with helping to pioneer the genre. In addition to her distinctive guitar style, Lynn is also one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1960s. She was also one of the first left-handed female guitarists to appear on television. Her guitar style includes a thumb pick to play percussive-like lead melodies.
Though Earth, Wind & Fire aren’t famous for their guitar playing, Al McKay’s interplay with Johnny Graham was instrumental in many of their hits in the 1970s. Paul King, a left-handed guitarist, is also revered for his Hofner 500/1 violin bass. His subtlety helped him get to where he is today, and his style has influenced musicians from all over the world.
A left-handed artist can also have success playing an acoustic guitar. A guitar with reversed strings is not the best choice for left-handed players, but one with a symmetrical body is a great option if you play the instrument upside down. The symmetry of the guitar’s body allows Shamir to play in the opposite hand and still retain the same timbre and tone.
There are several female guitarists who have struck deals with major labels or released albums independently. While most of them have toured with famous artists, a handful have carved out a niche as solo artists. Social media has also helped them reach a wider audience. A new generation of female players has emerged in jazz, blues, and progressive rock.
One of the most famous guitarists who played an acoustic guitar was Charlie Patton. She was a teenager when she wrote the famous folk ballad “Freight Train.” She was inspired by the train whistles that passed near her childhood home. Another legend was the late Otis Rush. He was born in 1934 to a farm family in Mississippi and became famous for his soaring vocals and inventive guitar style. His signature style featured long, bent notes, and slow emotionally-charged riffs.