Gloria Lynne

Gloria Lynne (born Gloria Wilson; November 23, 1929 – October 15, 2013), also known as Gloria Alleyne, was an American jazz vocalist with a recording career spanning from 1958 to 2007.

Early life Lynne was born in Harlem in 1929 to John and Mary Wilson, a gospel singer. She grew up in Harlem, and as a young girl, Lynne sang with the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir.

Career 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, and recorded as part of such groups as the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones in the 1950s. As a soloist she recorded under her birth name, although most of her work was released under her stage name on the Everest, with whom she signed in 1958, and Fontana labels.

Although showing much promise early on, especially after TV appearances, including Harry Belafonte's New York 19 (1960) and The Ed Sullivan Show (1961), her development suffered through poor management. Some unscrupulous recording executives profited while she had limited financial resources—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.

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. She wrote lyrics for "Watermelon Man" with Herbie Hancock, and "All Day Long" with Kenny Burrell. 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.

New York City proclaimed July 25, 1995 as "Gloria Lynne Day."

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

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

Awards 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).

"The Jazz in You"

"He Needs Me"

"Impossible"

"You Don't Have To Be A Tower Of Strength"

"I Wish You Love"

"I Should Care"

"Be Anything (But Be Mine)"

Fontana "Don't Take Your Love From Me"

Everest 1965 "Watermelon Man"

Fontana

Discography As a member of the Dell-Tones Recorded Title Label Format Catalogue No. 1953"Yours Alone"/"My Heart's on Fire" Brunswick 45 r.p.m.84015 1954"Little Short Daddy"/"I'm Not in Love with You" Rainbow 45 r.p.m.244

Singles as leader

Albums as leader