TAMI LYN

Biography

Tami Lynn, born Gloria Jean Brown on January 25, 1939, in Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana, was an American soul singer who became a defining voice of Northern soul and classic soul music. She grew up in a musically rich environment, attending school alongside future legends Allen Toussaint and Ellis Marsalis Jr., and began her musical journey singing spirituals with groups like the Clara Ward Singers and performing gospel on WMRY radio. Her professional career began almost by accident when she substituted for an absent performer at the Joy Tavern, impressing local musician Alvin "Red" Tyler, who became her mentor and helped her secure a recording contract with AFO Records. This launched her into the professional music world, where she would work as both a featured artist and session vocalist.

Lynn's career trajectory took her from New Orleans to New York City, where she performed at the legendary Birdland jazz club as an opening act for John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald during the 1960s. Her breakthrough came in 1971 when her song "I'm Gonna Run Away From You"—originally recorded in 1965 for Atlantic Records but not released until six years later—became a Top 10 hit on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 4 and establishing her as a Northern soul favorite in Britain. The song's success led to her 1972 album "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone," produced by John Abbey. Beyond her solo work, Lynn became a highly sought-after session and backup vocalist, contributing to albums by Dr. John, the Rolling Stones (notably on their acclaimed "Exile on Main St."), King Floyd, and numerous other artists across soul, R&B, and rock genres.

Throughout her career, Lynn worked with an impressive roster of musicians including Wilson Pickett, Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Ringo Starr, and Joe Cocker, establishing herself as a versatile and respected vocalist in the music industry. She later moved to Florida, where she continued performing into her later years, including an appearance at the Ponderosa Stomp in 2008. Tami Lynn passed away on June 26, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering soul singer whose influence extended across multiple genres and whose "I'm Gonna Run Away From You" remains a celebrated anthem of Northern soul music.

Fun Facts

• As a child, Tami Lynn was heard singing gospel on WMRY Radio's 'Dr. Daddy-O's Sunday Gospel Show' by legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who predicted she would become a 'fine singer'—a prophecy that proved accurate.
• Lynn's breakthrough hit 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You' was originally recorded in 1965 for Atlantic Records but wasn't released until 1971, when it became a Top 10 UK hit and established her as a Northern soul favorite in Britain.
• She performed as an opening act for jazz legends John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald at the famous Birdland jazz club in New York City during the 1960s.
• Lynn contributed backing vocals to the Rolling Stones' 'Exile on Main St.' in late 1971, which was later voted 'Best Album of All Time,' making her part of one of rock music's most celebrated recordings.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alvin "Red" Tyler - Local New Orleans musician who discovered Lynn when she substituted for an absent performer at the Joy Tavern; became her manager and mentor, encouraging her to audition and helping launch her professional career (Red Tyler's band at Joy Tavern; wrote 'Baby' for her) [Early 1960s onwards]
• Harold Battiste - AFO Records founder who took Lynn under his wing as a mentor; later worked with her on various West Coast projects including sessions for other artists (AFO Records projects; West Coast sessions and productions) [Early 1960s-1960s]
• Mahalia Jackson - Legendary gospel singer who heard young Lynn perform on WMRY Radio's gospel show and predicted she would grow up to be a 'fine singer' (Gospel radio performances) [Childhood/early 1950s]
• Jerry Wexler - Atlantic Records executive who heard Lynn sing at a DJ convention in 1965 and immediately signed her to Atlantic's recording label ("I'm Gonna Run Away From You" (Atco Records); Atlantic Records releases) [1965 onwards]

Key Collaborators

• Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - Frequent collaborator; Lynn sang on many of Dr. John's albums and toured with him following her 1971 breakthrough (Multiple Dr. John albums; touring) [1960s-1970s]
• The Rolling Stones - Featured backup vocalist on their acclaimed album ("Exile on Main St." (1971)) [1971]
• King Floyd - Collaborated as backup singer on his first album (King Floyd's first album) [1960s]
• Wilson Pickett - Recording and performance collaborator (Various recordings and performances) [1960s-1970s]
• Sonny & Cher - Session and recording work collaborator (Recording sessions and projects) [1960s]
• Sam Cooke - Backup vocalist on his recordings (Various recordings) [1960s]
• Randy Jackson - Bass guitarist who toured with Lynn and Dr. John (Touring performances) [1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (Love Is Here And Now You're Gone)
2. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (100 Greatest Soul)
3. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (Northern Soul: The Collection)
4. Mojo Hannah (Love Is Here And Now You're Gone)
5. Mojo Hannah (100 Greatest Soul)
6. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (After Hours The Collection: Northern Soul Masters)
7. I'm Gonna Run Away from You - 2012 Collection Remaster (Oh What A Night - 70's Classics)
8. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (70 Hits of the 70s)
9. I'm Gonna Run Away from You (Temazos Soul Clásico)
10. Light My Fire (Get Me Back on Time / Light My Fire)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia