Born in Midland TX, Barbara later moved to Corpus Christi TX where she grew up in a musical family. She learned to play piano and sing harmonies with her brothers and later on bought an acoustic guitar and taught herself how to play. She moved to Houston after high school, and began playing in bands in the Houston area, most notably being the cheesy Farfisa organist of The Dishes that were so incredibly popular in the 80s around the Houston area. After the demise of The Dishes, she joined The Judy’s, and later toured with The Hadden Sayers Band. After growing weary of the road, she decided to focus her talents on playing locally, and helped form Toast and Jam.