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.
April In Paris
Gloria Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart
The lyrics to Gloria Lynne's song "April In Paris" describe the feeling of finally experiencing the beauty of spring in Paris, and the effect it has on the singer's heart. Before this moment, she had never truly known the charm of spring, but in Paris she witnesses the chestnuts in bloom and tables set out for the holidays under the trees. This experience creates a feeling that is impossible to replicate, a joy that comes from being in Paris in April. The way the singer's heart is awakened by this experience is clear, as she states that she never knew her heart could sing until this moment. This new feeling is so powerful that she wonders who she can turn to now that her heart has been changed forever.
The song can be interpreted as a tribute to the beauty of Paris in spring, a time when the city comes alive with color and joy. The unique feeling of April in Paris is captured in the lyrics, as the singer observes the perfect combination of blooming flowers, good food, and the energy of the city. However, the song also speaks to the transformative power of new experiences, and how they can awaken parts of ourselves that we never knew existed.
Line by Line Meaning
I never knew the charm of spring
I was completely unaware of the beauty of the season of Spring
I never met it face to face
I had never experienced Spring's allure and freshness firsthand
I never knew my heart could sing
Prior to my time in Paris during April, I never felt blissful and spontaneous
I never missed a warm embrace
I have never craved an affectionate hug or cuddle before
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
The moment I was in Paris during April and observed the beautiful chestnut blossoms, everything changed for me
Holiday tables under the trees
There are people, maybe tourists or locals or both, eating at tables set under these chestnut trees for holiday ambience
April in Paris, this is a feeling
I can hardly describe in words the strong emotion I am experiencing during this time
That no one can ever reprise
I will cherish and remember this exceptional feeling forever
Whom can I run to
I am so overwhelmed by this new feeling, that I don't know where to turn to for guidance
What have you done to my heart
Maybe a person or the environment or the moment or the city is what caused this wonder, but whatever it was, it has altered the way I feel in a positive and everlasting manner
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind