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.
I Should Care
Gloria Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I don't because, you see
I have loved and I have learned
And as far as I'm concerned
I should care
I should go around weeping
I should care
Strangely enough I sleep well
'Cept for a dream or two
But, then, I count my sheep well
Funny how sheep can lull you to sleep
I should care
I should let it upset me
I should care
But it just doesn't get me
Maybe I should find
Someone as lovely as you
But I should care
And I do
The lyrics of Gloria Lynne's song "I Should Care" are about a person who is trying to convince themselves that they should be upset and heartbroken about a lost love, but they just can't muster up the feeling. The singer acknowledges that they know they should care, that they should be crying and losing sleep over their lost love. However, they've loved and learned from the relationship, which seems to have left them contented with the experience. The singer notes that they sleep well, except for an occasional dream, but they're good at counting sheep to lull themselves back to sleep. The singer admits that maybe they should try to find someone else as lovely as their lost love, but they still can't quite bring themselves to care.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Should Care" suggest that the singer has reached a level of emotional maturity where they are able to appreciate the experience of a lost love, rather than being broken by it. They are recognizing that love comes with its own set of challenges and with it comes growth and learning from the experience. So, despite what they should be feeling, the singer has come to terms with moving on with their life and is ready to embrace the future with more wisdom.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I should pity me
I am aware that most people might pity me
But I don't because, you see
However, I do not feel sorry for myself
I have loved and I have learned
I experienced love and the lessons that come with it
And as far as I'm concerned
From my perspective
I should care
I may be expected to care
I should go around weeping
I should be crying and feeling miserable
I should go without sleeping
I should lose sleep and be unable to rest
Strangely enough I sleep well
Oddly, I sleep peacefully
'Cept for a dream or two
Except for a couple of dreams
But, then, I count my sheep well
However, I know how to count my sheep (a technique to help sleep)
Funny how sheep can lull you to sleep
It is strange how counting sheep helps one sleep
I should care
People might expect that I care
I should let it upset me
I should allow it to disturb me
I should care
I am expected to feel concerned
But it just doesn't get me
But it does not affect me deeply
Maybe I should find
I could consider finding
Someone as lovely as you
A person as charming as you
But I should care
Despite this, I should still be concerned
And I do
And indeed, I am
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, HANOVER MUSIC CORPORATION, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: AXEL STOHRDAHL, PAUL WESTON, SAMMY CAHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
neilx49
I GREW UP LISTENING TO THIS UNDERRATED LADY! THIS REMINDS ME OF THE DAYS WHEN MY MAMA WOULD SING ALONG WITH HER. THANKS, YOU TUBE!
Anu Essentials
Gloria Lynne was a favorite of my grandmother. My GrandMother had Gloria Lynn’s, “Lonely and Sentimental” album cover displayed in her living room, and I thought it was one of the most elegant images I had ever seen. I love Gloria’s voice; she can hang with the best of them and hold her own. I had an opportunity to see her perform twice in the 80s and she did not disappoint. Her voice was still striking, rare and beautiful. #GloriaLynne
Expat Marc
Good one.