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.
Just In Time
Gloria Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life was serene, I knew where I was at
"There's no hope for him," my dearest friends would mutter
I was something dragged in by the cat. Then
Just in time, I found you just in time
Before you came my time was running low
I was lost, the losing dice were tossed
Now you're here and now I know just where I'm going
No more doubt or fear, I found my way
For love came just in time, you found me just in time
And changed my lonely life that lovely day
The lyrics of Gloria Lynne's song "Just in Time" tell a story of redemption and salvation. The singer starts off in a dire situation- lying face down in the gutter- and has little hope for life. His friends have given up on him and see no way out of his predicament. But then, just in time, he is saved by the love of another person. He feels as though he was rescued from a hopeless situation and is now on a new path, free from doubt and fear.
The lyrics are a reminder that no matter how far gone we may feel, there is always the possibility for love and redemption. They suggest that sometimes salvation comes in the form of another person, who can bring us out of a dark place and change our lives for the better. The lyrics also capture the feeling of hope that comes with falling in love- suddenly, things that once seemed impossible become within reach, and life takes on new meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
I was resting comfortably, face down in the gutter
I was leading an unambitious and hopeless life with limited resources and no purpose.
Life was serene, I knew where I was at
I had made peace with my life and was comfortable with the idea of being lost and alone.
"There's no hope for him," my dearest friends would mutter
Even my friends could not see a way out of my situation and had lost faith in me.
I was something dragged in by the cat.
I was like trash on the street that nobody would bother picking up.
Just in time, I found you just in time
At the right moment, I was lucky enough to meet you.
Before you came my time was running low
I was running out of time to turn my life around and create something meaningful.
I was lost, the losing dice were tossed
I felt like I had no control over my life, that everything was just a matter of hopeless chance, and that I was doomed to lose.
My bridges all were crossed, nowhere to go
I had burned all my bridges and exhausted all of my options.
Now you're here and now I know just where I'm going
Now that you are in my life, I have direction, clarity, and purpose.
No more doubt or fear, I found my way
I am no longer filled with uncertainty or afraid of what the future holds, because I am now on a meaningful path.
For love came just in time, you found me just in time
Your love for me was what I needed just at the right time for me to find my way.
And changed my lonely life that lovely day
You gave me love, direction, and hope, and it has transformed my life in the best way possible.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANK NOVAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind