Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture paid tribute to the Legends of Music
The first annual tribute show celebrating the
“Legends in Music” is in large part due to the dedication and efforts of
founders Roz Nixon and partner Robb Sibarium. The legendary Gloria
Lynne kicked off the first annual “Celebrating Legends In Music” Awards
Night. However, it is the intention of the “Legends in Music” founders
to make this effort the first of many tributes and awards honoring the
greats in music. One must applaud Ms. Nixon and Mr. Sibarium for
striving to honor, give respect and love to those artists whose talents
go down in the book of legends for all time. This high profile
organization is dedicated to celebrating legendary women and men for the
many contributions they have made to music and the world.
The
June 18th concert which honored the legendary Gloria Lynne was held at
Hostos Center for Arts and Culture Repertory Theatre, located at 450
Grand Concourse in the Bronx. The tribute was nothing short of
legendary, given the status of the star. Wearing dark glasses due to an
eye problem, the affliction did not blind Gloria to the love that waft
from the audience toward her on stage. Unfortunately, due to time
limitations, the enduring musical star was forced to cut her songbook in
half. While this may have disappointed some of the audience, most were
just delighted to be regaled by the melodious tunes and musical depth
of the legendary diva whose voice is as strong as ever. Regal in
bearing and a grand dame of music, Gloria knows how to control and pace
her voice to belt out notes with the best of them.
Singer
Charlotte Doreen Small whet the appetite as the opening act, proving she
knows her way around the blues. The lady has a penchant for turning a
song upside down, right side up and every which way but loose. I could
see Ms. Small standing on a Broadway stage given her range and delivery.
Deputy
Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene and Councilmen Larry Seabrook
attended the tribute and were not short on praise for the glorious Ms.
Gloria as they honored her as one of the Legends of Music. They
recognized Ms. Lynne’s contribution to music by presenting her with a
plaque. It wasn’t hard to disagree with their accolades while listening
to Ms. Lynne harmonize songs like “The House on the Hill,” “I’m Glad
There Is You,” “Joey, Joey,” “He Needs Me,” “I Thought About You” and
her signature song “I Wish You Love.” Lynne whose career has spanned
over 60 years, was one of the first chanteuse to be listed on the Pop,
Jazz, and R&B charts simultaneously.
A tribute poem was written for the star by her long time lyricist and friend Ann Rubino.
Since time did not allow it to be read during the show. I post it here:
“A Tribute to Miss Gloria Lynne”
She’s a jazz diva with style and grace
She’s a national treasure in the United States
She’s a singer’s singer among all her peers
She’s timeless, and ageless for all of her years
She sings from her soul, and penetrates your heart
She sacrificed everything for the sake of her art
She can paint you a picture with words from a song
transforming your life as she goes along
Her phrasing is awesome, melodious too
She stands with the best she’s one of a few
Gloria was always ahead of her time
Her vocal interpretations, her reason, and rhyme
She’s a living legend whose humble in her way
She’s strong, and she’s tender beyond words can say
Her accomplishments are many for all she has done
She’s creative, and caring, and loves having fun
All of this, and more are known to be true
And that is why I say,
I’m Glad There Is You…
I think Ms. Rubino’s tribute poem speaks for all of us.
