Gloria Lynne (born Gloria Wilson; November 23, 1929 – October 15, 2013) was… Read Full Bio ↴Gloria Lynne (born Gloria Wilson; November 23, 1929 – October 15, 2013) was an American jazz vocalist with a recording career spanning from 1958 to 2007. She grew up in Harlem; her mother, Mary, was a gospel singer.

Lynne was born in Harlem in 1929 to John and Mary Wilson. As a young girl, Lynne sang with the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir. At the age of 15, she won first prize at the "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater. She shared the stage with contemporary night club vocal ensembles as well as with Ella Fitzgerald, recording as part of such groups as the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones in the 1950s. She recorded as a soloist under her birth name, though most of her work was released under her stage name on the Everest and Fontana labels. She was signed to Everest in 1958.

Although showing much promise early on, especially after TV appearances, including the Harry Belafonte Spectacular, her development suffered through poor management: some unscrupulous recording "executives" profited while she was left virtually penniless, saved by the fact that she was able to work steadily and earn her money from performances—a victim of unpaid royalties.

In the 1960s she had several hits including "June Night", "Love I Found You", "I'm Glad There Is You", "I Wish You Love" (1964)—which became her signature song—and her answer to Gene McDaniels's "Tower Of Strength", "(You Don't Have to Be a) Tower Of Strength", a pop hit that proved how versatile she could be in the studio. After her time with Everest Records she moved to Fontana and recorded such albums as Soul Serenade, Love And A Woman, Where It's At, and Here, There And Everywhere, all of which showcased her versatility in jazz, RnB, soul and melodic "pop".

During her earlier years on the road Gloria Lynne shared bills with some of the giants of RnB, jazz, pop and standards including Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Mathis and Ella Fitzgerald. Notable TV specials include two with Harry Belafonte and duets with Billy Eckstine. As Lynne moved into jazz in her later career she worked with top flight musicians and arrangers and performed with many of the jazz greats, including Quincy Jones, Bobby Timmons, Philly Joe Jones, Harry "Sweets" Edison.

She famously wrote lyrics for “Watermelon Man” with Herbie Hancock, and “All Day Long” with Kenny Burrell. New York City proclaimed July 25, 1995 as Gloria Lynne Day. 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 recognitions 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).

She and her husband, Harry Alleyne, had a son, Richard. Gloria and Richard Alleyne ran a production company, Family Bread Music Inc. Gloria and Harry Alleyne divorced in 1968.

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

Am I Blue
Gloria Lynne Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm just a woman, a lonely woman
Waiting on the weary shore
I'm just a woman who's only human
One you should feel sorry for

It was a morning, long before dawn
Without a warning I found he was gone
How could he do it, why should he do it

He never done it before

Am I blue, am I blue
Ain't these tears in these eyes telling you
How can you ask me am I blue
Why, wouldn't you be too
If each plan with your man
Done fell through

There was a time
When I was his only one
But now I'm the sad and lonely one, lonely
Was I gay, until today

Now he's gone, and we're through
Am I blue

Overall Meaning

Gloria Lynne's song "Am I Blue" is a ballad that tells the story of a woman who has been left by her lover. The lyrics describe her as a lonely woman waiting on the shore, who is feeling sorry for herself. The song's first verse establishes the woman's vulnerable state, suggesting that she is looking for sympathy from others. In the second verse, it is revealed that her partner has left her unexpectedly, which has devastated her. She becomes emotional and tearful, expressing her sadness and disappointment through these lyrics.

In the chorus, the woman asks if she is blue, which in this context, means downhearted or depressed. She goes on to ask if the tears in her eyes are giving away her sadness, implying that she is so heartbroken that she cannot hide her emotions. Finally, she asks how someone could ask her if she is blue, stating that they would be too, if they were in her place. The last verse of the song looks back on the woman's relationship with her ex-partner, describing how happy she was when they were together. However, now that he has gone, the woman is left feeling sad and lonely, wondering if she will ever find happiness again.

Am I BlueGloria Lynne Lyrics

Beverly Brown

Renaye Brown

Am I Blue
Gloria Lynne Lyrics