TAMI LYNN

Biography

Tami Lynn, born Gloria Jean Brown on January 25, 1939, in Gert Town, New Orleans, emerged from a vibrant musical environment, attending school with future jazz legends Allen Toussaint and Ellis Marsalis Jr. She began singing spirituals with the Clara Ward Singers and appeared on local gospel radio, where Mahalia Jackson recognized her talent early on. Lynn's professional break came when she substituted for a missing performer at the Joy Tavern, leading to her discovery by Alvin 'Red' Tyler and a contract with AFO Records. Under the mentorship of Tyler, Harold Battiste, and Melvin Lastie, she toured with the AFO band and performed at prestigious venues like Birdland in New York, opening for jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Her recording career took off after Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records signed her, resulting in the 1965 recording of 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You.' Though initially unreleased in the US, the song became a Northern Soul classic in the UK after its 1971 reissue, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Lynn's soulful, gospel-infused voice led to collaborations with a wide array of artists, including Dr. John, the Rolling Stones (notably as a backing vocalist on 'Exile on Main St.'), Wilson Pickett, Sonny & Cher, and many others. Her only full-length album, 'Love Is Here and Now You're Gone,' was released in 1972, cementing her status as a cult favorite among soul aficionados.

Tami Lynn's legacy is deeply tied to the Northern Soul movement and the New Orleans R&B tradition. Her distinctive blend of gospel, soul, and R&B, along with her extensive session work, left an indelible mark on both sides of the Atlantic. She continued to perform and record sporadically until her death on June 26, 2020, in New Port Richey, Florida, remembered for her powerful voice and her role in some of the era's most iconic recordings.

Fun Facts

• Tami Lynn was discovered after filling in for an absent performer at a local club, which launched her professional career.
• She opened for jazz legends John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald at Birdland in New York.
• Her song 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You' became a hit in the UK six years after it was first recorded, thanks to its popularity on the Northern Soul scene.
• She contributed backing vocals to the Rolling Stones' iconic album 'Exile on Main St.', which has been voted 'Best Album of All Time' by several publications.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alvin 'Red' Tyler - Discovered Lynn and encouraged her to pursue R&B, became her early mentor and bandleader (Live performances at Joy Tavern, AFO Records sessions) [early 1960s]
• Harold Battiste - AFO Records founder, guided her early recording and touring career (AFO Records projects) [1960s]
• Melvin Lastie - AFO Records co-founder and mentor, co-writer and arranger (AFO Records projects) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - Frequent collaborator, touring and recording together (Dr. John albums (various), live performances) [1970s–2000s]
• The Rolling Stones - Featured backing vocalist on their album ('Exile on Main St.') [1972]
• Wilson Pickett - Shared stage and recording sessions (Live performances, session work) [1970s]
• Sonny & Cher - Session and backing vocalist (Studio sessions, live performances) [late 1960s–1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Northern Soul artists and DJs - Her single 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You' became an anthem for the Northern Soul scene, influencing countless DJs and collectors (Northern Soul compilations, club playlists) [1970s–present]

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