Barbara Lynn - Featured Performer

I can remember being interested in performing as far back as when I was four years old. I would sing in front of the dresser mirror in Mom and Dad's bedroom using a perfume bottle for a microphone. I was so small I had to stand on the bed to see myself.

When I got to junior high, I spent hours in my room with the GE turntable listening to the 45's I could buy then for less than a dollar. I also had a transistor radio that I would sneak under my pillow at night. I listened to the rock 'n' roll of the late 60's and early 70's, but sometime around high school, I found myself listening more to the music of Connie Smith, Charlie Pride, Patsy Cline, and others.

I learned a lot from my father. We used to go to different homes and sing gospel songs whenever we had the chance. We also performed at shows held by the local fire department, and school functions, and soon discovered the Elk Fork #3 Schoolhouse.

Formerly a one-room schoolhouse, it was now the place where, once a week, people would fill in sitting on folding chairs and standing outside the open windows, watching and listening while anyone who wanted to, played and sang. I loved to go there and sing. I was so nervous the first time, my legs felt like rubber bands, but I loved every minute of it. I'll never forget that feeling.

As I got older, I kept on singing whenever I could, including weddings, variety shows, etc. In 1982, I co-founded the Rhythm Express Band. With just a few pieces of PA equipment and an old station wagon, we played department stores, fire departments and small theater shows. I loved the times we all got together to practice or perform. It became the thing that made me feel good about myself and my talent. I had found a home.

Eventually, Rhythm Express evolved into the Barbara Lynn Show which in turn, became Barbara Lynn & The Silver Eagle Band. Over the years, the faces in the band have changed, but we are still here, still growing and getting better, working harder and still learning. I have come a long way from my days at the #3 Schoolhouse and I have loved every minute of it. The show is a reflection of me. It has been and will always be a very important part of my life. I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed possible.