Background

Gloria Lynne was born on November 23, 1931, in New York City. Lynne grew up in Harlem in the 1930s and 1940s. The daughter of Trinidadian longshoreman, John Wilson, she was raised by her mother, Mary Curtis Wilson, who was a gospel singer.

Education

Lynne began singing as a very small child in Harlem’s Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, but she was also interested in secular music and entered numerous amateur talent contests.

Career

In 1946, Lynne began her career at age fifteen, pretending to be older in order to qualify for a talent contest held at the Apollo Theatre, where she won first prize at “Amateur Night.” Although Lynne formally studied music for five years, much of her learning was gained through playing with jazz musicians. In the 1950s, Lynne recorded with The Enchanters, The Dell-Tones and the Dorsey Sisters. In 1958, at the age of twenty-seven, she was discovered by Raymond Scott, who at the time was a top A&R man at Everest Records. During her time with Everest Records, she made at least ten records between 1958 and 1963. Although showing much promise early on, especially after TV appearances, including the Harry Belafonte Spectacular, her development suffered through poor management. Some unscrupulous recording 'executives' profited while she was left virtually penniless - a victim of unpaid royalties - and only saved by the fact that she was able to work steadily and earn her money from live performances.

Lynne made both straight jazz and jazz-oriented material during the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1960s, Lynne recorded several hit songs including “June Night,” “Love I Found You,” and “I Wish You Love,” which became her signature song in 1964. Lynne then went on tour with Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine and Ella Fitzgerald among others. Lynne moved into jazz later in her career and performed with many of the jazz greats, including Quincy Jones, Bobby Timmons, Philly Joe Jones and Harry “Sweets” Edison. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Lynne’s popularity waned, though she never stopped performing. In the 1990s, Lynne’s career experienced a strong resurgence when one of her earlier songs, “Speaking Of Happiness,” was used in the movie “Seven” and was also used in a television commercial for the Ford Motor Company. She famously wrote lyrics for “Watermelon Man” with Herbie Hancock, and “All Day Long” with Kenny Burrell. New York City proclaimed July 25, 1995 as Gloria Lynne Day.

In June 2007 High Note Records released Gloria's latest CD From My Heart To Yours, a musical journey from James Taylor ("The Secret O' Life"), Michel Legrand ("How Do You Keep The Music Playing") and styling on classics like "It's Magic." Lynne continues to record and write near her home in New York.

On October 22, 2010, she was honored at the Schomburg Library in New York by Great Women In Music founder Roz Nixon for her many contributions to the music industry and the world.

Achievements

• Gloria Lynne was a jazz diva who climbed onto the pop charts with her recording of “I Wish You Love” in 1964 and continued singing for more than half a century. During her long career, Lynne’s resonant contralto was heard on more than 25 albums. She performed with Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis and toured with Ella Fitzgerald. Lynne achieved numerous awards for her contribution to the business.

Works

More photos

• music

  • Essential Gold
  • Starry Eyes 1998
  • Lonely And Sentimental
  • I'm Glad There Is You
  • Love Songs - The Singles Collection 2006
  • At Basin Street East / Las Vegas Thunderbird
  • I Wish You Love - Go! Go! Go! 1998

Personality

Lynne’s singing style has been described as a creamy alto, luscious and soothing, calming and sensual. She is a vocalist whose style and songs blur the distinctions among popular singing, jazz, and blues.

Connections

Gloria Lynne and her husband, Harry Alleyne, had a son, Richard. Gloria and Richard Alleyne ran a production company, Family Bread Music Inc. Gloria and Harry Alleyne divorced in 1968.

Father:

John Wilson

Mother:

Mary Curtis Wilson

Son:

Richard Alleyne

Gloria and Richard Alleyne ran a production company, Family Bread Music Inc.

husband:

Harry Alleyne

References

• I Wish You Love: A Riveting Memoir From One of the Leading Ladies of Jazz
  2000