Gloria Lynne

Lynne was born in Harlem in 1929 to John and Mary Wilson, a gospel singer.[1][2] She grew up in Harlem, and as a young girl, Lynne sang with the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir. At the age of 15, she won first prize at the Amateur Night contest at the Apollo Theater. She shared the stage with contemporary night club vocal ensembles as well as with Ella Fitzgerald, she recorded as part of such groups as the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones, in the 1950s. She recorded as a soloist under her birth name, though most of her work was released under her stage name on the Everest and Fontana labels. In 1958, she was signed to Everest.[3]

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.[4]

During her earlier years on the road, Lynne shared bills with RnB, jazz, traditional pop music, and pop singers including Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Mathis and Ella Fitzgerald. TV specials include two with Harry Belafonte.[5] Her final recording was "I Wish It Would Snow" featuring Bucky Pizzarelli. The song was featured in the 2014 Lifetime movie Seasons of Love, starring Gladys Knight and Taraji P. Henson.

She 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".[6]

In 1996, Lynne received the International Women of Jazz Award, and she was honored with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1997. Other awards and recognition include the National Treasure Award from the Seasoned Citizens Theatre Company (2003); induction into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame; Living Legend Award from the State of Pennsylvania (2007).[7] On May 6, 2008, Lynne was presented with a special award for "Outstanding Achievement In Jazz", at the New York MAC Awards. On October 22, 2010, she was honored at New York's Schomburg Library, for her many contributions to the music industry and the world by Great Women In Music and its founder Roz Nixon. Roz Nixon Entertainment worked successfully with Lynne throughout her final years, producing, co-producing or participating in making the arrangements for Ms. Lynne's appearances pertaining to her last concerts or significant events.

She and her husband, Harry Alleyne, had a son, Richard. Gloria and Richard Alleyne ran a production company, Family Bread Music Inc.[7]

She died of a heart attack on October 15, 2013, in Newark, New Jersey, at the age of 83.[8]

On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Gloria Lynne among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[9]

• Gloria Lynne discography at Discogs
• Gloria Lynne at IMDb
• Gloria Lynne at Soulfulkindamusic.com
• Gloria Lynne at Verve Records
• Gloria Lynne interview at Afrocentricnews.com