[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GLORIA LYNNE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to call attention to the lifetime 
artistic achievements of singer Gloria Lynne, an outstanding vocalist 
whose unique style and sound has blurred the distinctions among pop, 
jazz, and blues.
  Born Gloria Alleyne in the Harlem section of New York City on 
November 23, 1931, Gloria Lynne compensated for a bleak domestic life 
of poverty by absorbing everything she could of the city's vibrant 
night life. Exposed to gospel music at a young age by her mother, Lynne 
quickly graduated from singing at home to singing in the local African 
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church's choir. However, it was Lynne's first 
place performance at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night, at the age of 
15, which introduced America to her unique and impressive ability to 
tell stories that leaves audiences spellbound.
  Twelve years later, in 1958, after singing with groups like the Dell-
Tones and Enchanters, Ms. Lynne signed with Everest Records and began 
her solo career. This marked the beginning of her most prolific period: 
between 1958 and 1963 she cut 10 records and had hits with ``I Wish You 
Love'' (a song she virtually made a standard) and ``I'm Glad There Is 
You.'' ``I Wish You Love'' not only became a signature song for Lynne, 
it sold in the millions and was the first song to become a hit on the 
jazz, rhythm & blues and pop music charts at the same time. Her 
popularity during this time enabled her to work with many of jazz's 
greatest masters, teaming up with musicians like Ray Charles, Billy 
Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte and others, as 
well as co-writing ``Watermelon Man'' with Herbie Hancock and ``All Day 
Long'' with Kenny Burrell.
  Gloria Lynne continues to perform before enthusiastic audiences. She 
was a special honoree at the Apollo's 2006 Amateur Night Celebration 
and recently performed to sold-out crowds at Dizzy's Coca Cola Room at 
New York's Lincoln Center for 5 consecutive nights. Ms. Lynne performed 
before a standing-room-only audience in May 2005 in Washington, DC at 
the 1,200-seat Historic Lincoln Theater in Washington, DC as part of 
Jazz in Southwest. She performed at the Kennedy Center's Women in Jazz 
Festival in 2003; and also in 2003, she received the National Treasure 
A ward from the Seasoned Citizens Theatre Organization. She has been 
inducted into the National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame. 
She is also the recipient of The Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer 
Award in honor of her lasting contributions to the music world. In 
1996, she received the International Women of Jazz Award. On April 7, 
2007, she received the Living Legend Award from the State of 
Pennsylvania.

  Teaming up with her son, Richard Alleyne, a writer and producer, 
Lynne also helps run their production company, Family Bread Music, Inc.
  On May 23, 2007, Ms. Lynne will be returning to Washington, DC. to 
receive a tribute from the Southwest Renaissance Development 
Corporation for her contributions to jazz. I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to add my voice to theirs and congratulate Gloria Lynne on 
her long and fruitful career. I wish her many more years of success.

                          ____________________