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.
Without a Song
Gloria Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
In Gloria Lynne's song "Without a Song," the lyrics emphasize the importance of music in one's life. It paints the picture of a world without the beauty of melody and harmony, and how it affects the everyday lives of people. The line "Without a song the day would never end" implies that music is an essential part of human existence, that it fuels our passions, and gives our lives meaning. Without it, life would be dull and colorless, and time would crawl by - a never-ending day. Furthermore, it follows that statement with "Without a song the road would never bend." The road is a metaphor for the journey of life, but without music, it's a straight and monotonous path.
The line "When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend without a song" embodies the healing and restorative qualities of music. It's a universal language that can provide comfort during difficult times, uplift spirits when one is down, and create a sense of fellowship and camaraderie between people. It's a friend that will never leave you, always provide a shoulder to lean on, and a source of hope that you are never alone.
The song speaks to the fundamental human need for emotional expression. Without it, the fields lay barren, and a man is born but has no purpose. The final lines "I only know there ain't no love at all without a song" reflect the idea that music and love are intertwined. Both are potent, and crucial drivers of the human spirit. Without love, there is no music, and without music, there is no love; they are inseparable.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
Music brings joy and hope to life and makes it worth living.
Without a song the road would never bend
Music takes us on a journey, inspires and gives us a reason to keep moving forward.
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
In difficult times, music can be a constant companion that does not judge.
Without a song
The importance of music in life.
That field of corn would never see a plow
Music is a motivator that makes things happen and brings life to barren fields.
That field of corn would be deserted now
In the absence of music, there is no life or productivity.
A man is born but he's no good no how
We are all born with potential, but without the inspiration of music, life can seem hopeless and meaningless.
I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
Life is full of troubles, but music can help us overcome them. The Jordan refers to the Jordan River, symbolizing the obstacles and challenges that life presents us.
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
With music as a constant source of inspiration and hope, anything is possible.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
The mysteries of life remain unknown, but music can provide solace in the face of uncertainty.
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
The beauty of nature is beyond our comprehension, but music can help us appreciate it.
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without the power of music, love and compassion can be elusive.
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
Reaffirming that life is full of difficulties, but music can help us overcome them.
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Music is a powerful force that can help us endure the challenges of life.
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
The mysteries of the world are beyond our understanding, but music can provide comfort in the unknowable.
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
The beauty of nature is a marvel, but music can help us appreciate its magnificence.
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without the power of music, love and connection can be difficult to find.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lrh1966
@jazzysclassicjazz Thank you for checking out this vintage 45 record...Friends, Lloyd.