Gloria Lynne

Gloria Lynne cut numerous LPs for Everest early in her career before fading from public view, only to stage a return during the 1990s. An outstanding vocalist whose approach bridged bop, 1950s mainstream pop, and the beginnings of soul, she never failed to deliver a vivid performance. Raised by a mother who sang gospel, Lynne began performing in church settings, then completed five years of formal concert study before claiming victory at the storied Apollo Theater amateur contest in 1951. After appearing with several vocal ensembles she launched a solo career, gaining the attention of Raymond Scott in 1958 when he served as a leading A&R executive for Everest. Over the span of her most active years with the label, which saw at least ten sessions between 1958 and 1963, she scored successes with “I Wish You Love,” the tune she effectively established as a standard, and “I’m Glad There Is You.” Working alongside both large orchestras and small jazz groups, she enjoyed notable popularity for a stretch until rock’s ascent and shifting listener preferences pushed her from the spotlight. A lone commercial outing for ABC in 1975 briefly interrupted that quiet period. From the early 1980s onward she resumed steady performances, recovered portions of her prior recognition, and cut a pair of albums for Muse in the early 1990s; her debut Everest recording was also reissued on Evidence. Remaining busy well into the new century, Lynne released one of her most compelling collections in years, From My Heart to Yours, on the Highnote imprint in 2007. She passed away from heart failure in Newark, New Jersey, during October 2013 at the age of 83.