Biography
Gloria Lynne, born Gloria Wilson (also known as Gloria Alleyne) on November 23, 1929, in Harlem, New York City, was a celebrated American jazz and R&B vocalist whose career spanned nearly five decades. Raised in a musically rich environment, Lynne's earliest influences came from her mother, a gospel singer, and from singing in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir. Her prodigious talent was recognized early when she won the Amateur Night contest at the Apollo Theater at age 15, setting her on a path toward professional music.
Lynne began her career in the 1950s, performing with vocal groups like the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones before launching her solo career. Signing with Everest Records in 1958, she quickly gained acclaim for her ability to bridge jazz, soul, and R&B, with her 1964 recording of 'I Wish You Love' becoming a signature classic. Throughout the 1960s, Lynne toured and shared stages with legends such as Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, and Johnny Mathis. Despite challenges with poor management and unpaid royalties, she sustained her career through live performances and songwriting, notably penning lyrics for Herbie Hancock's 'Watermelon Man.'
Lynne's artistry was marked by her rich, emotive voice and her affinity for romantic music, often interpreting love songs with great sensitivity. She continued performing and recording into the 2000s, earning honors such as the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award and having July 25, 1995, proclaimed 'Gloria Lynne Day' in New York City. Lynne passed away on October 15, 2013, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most expressive and influential voices in American jazz and soul.
Fun Facts
- Gloria Lynne won the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night contest at age 15, a pivotal moment that launched her professional career.
- She wrote lyrics for Herbie Hancock's jazz standard 'Watermelon Man,' showcasing her talents as a lyricist as well as a vocalist.
- Lynne was sometimes called upon to substitute for jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Dinah Washington when they were unable to perform.
- New York City honored her legacy by proclaiming July 25, 1995, as 'Gloria Lynne Day.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Mary Wilson (mother) - Gospel singer and early musical influence; sang together in church choir (Church choir performances) [1930s-1940s]
- Ella Fitzgerald - Touring mentor and inspiration; encouraged Lynne to pursue stardom (Touring together, personal encouragement) [1950s-1960s]
- Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae - Stylistic influences; Lynne sent demo tapes to them and was inspired by their artistry (Demo tapes, vocal style inspiration) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Kenny Burrell - Guitarist; performed together in clubs and co-wrote 'All Day Long' (Branker's club performances, 'All Day Long') [1950s-1960s]
- Ram Ramirez - House pianist; performed together at Branker's club (Branker's club performances) [1950s]
- Ray Charles - Touring partner; shared bills during national tours (Live performances) [1960s]
- Billy Eckstine - Touring partner; shared bills during national tours (Live performances) [1960s]
- Bucky Pizzarelli - Guitarist; featured on Lynne's final recording 'I Wish It Would Snow' ('I Wish It Would Snow') [2007]
- Herbie Hancock - Lynne wrote lyrics for Hancock's composition 'Watermelon Man' ('Watermelon Man') [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary jazz and soul vocalists - Lynne's trailblazing career and interpretive style inspired later generations of jazz and soul singers (General influence on vocal jazz and soul) [1970s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Miss Gloria Lynne | 1958 | Album |
| Live! Take: 2 (Remastered) | 1966 | Album |
| Gloria, Marty & Strings | 1963 | Album |
| Try a Little Tenderness | 1960 | Album |
| This Little Boy of Mine | 1961 | Album |
| Vocal & Jazz Collection | 2012-06-19 | Album |
| I'm Glad There is You | 1961-08-14 | Album |
| I Wish You Love | 1964 | Album |
| Try a Little Tenderness - I'm Glad There Is You | 1999 | Album |
| Happy and in Love | 1970-10-06 | Album |
| He Needs Me | 1961 | Album |
| Della Reese, Ketty Lester & Gloria Lynne In Person | 1899-12-31 | Album |
| He Needs Me - This Little Boy of Mine | 1999 | Album |
| Love's Finally Found Me | 1977-09-09 | Album |
| Love's Finally Found Me | 1977-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- April in Paris (Miss Gloria Lynne)
- Watermelon Man - Remastered (Live! Take: 2 (Remastered))
- The Jazz in You (This Little Boy of Mine)
- I Wish You Love (Gloria, Marty & Strings)
- I Wish It Would Snow
- Speaking of Happiness - Rub-a-Dub Edit
- Tower Of Strength (Vocal & Jazz Collection)
- I'm Glad There is You (I'm Glad There is You)
- Try a Little Tenderness (Try a Little Tenderness)
- I Wish You Love (I Wish You Love)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
gloria lynn has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2025 | 17:54 | i'm sorryfrom girl talk | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 18:31 | my funny valentinefrom girl talk | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón |