Lynn White (born August 6, 1953) is an American soul blues singer and songwriter.[1] Between 1978 and 2006, she released fourteen albums, three compilation albums, and numerous singles. Her best known song is "I Don't Ever Wanna See Your Face Again" (1982). White had a subtle dulcet voice when compared to her contemporaries harsher tones.[2]
Life and career
White was born in Mobile, Alabama, United States.[1] She started singing in her local church aged six, and launched her professional career in the late 1970s.[2] In her teens, White had a part-time job at a record store and sang along to whatever record was playing. She was promoted to become the store manager when its owner, Ike Darby, realised her singing potential.[1] Her debut single was 1978's "Pains In My Heart" on Darby Records. "I Didn't Make My Move Too Soon" followed, before recording her debut album, Am I Too Much Woman For You, basically a collection of her single releases to that point,[3] which was issued in 1981.[4] White's 1982 single "I Don't Ever Wanna See Your Face Again" was heard by the record producer Willie Mitchell, and he reissued the cut on his own Waylo Records.[2] Her next album, Blues in My Bedroom, was released the same year on Waylo, and she remained with that label for the rest of the 1980s.[2] White released seven albums on Waylo, including Love & Happiness, which contained the modern sounding, mid-tempo number, "See You Later, Bye".[5]
In 1990, White moved on and formed her own label which issued The New Me that year.[3] At her creative peak in the early to mid-1990s,[6] she started to write some of her material, such as "Draw The Line" on The New Me.[7] Further independent albums such as Home Girl (1991) and Cheatin' (1993) ensued,[2] with White getting executive producer credits on the latter.[8] Her 12" single, "I Don't Know Why", became a notable track on the UK modern soul scene.[5] White's work during this period was an influence on Syleena Johnson, and White cut a duet with Willie Clayton, a medley of "Slow and Easy" / "Take Me to the Mountain".[6][9] In September 1994, White supported Little Milton in concert in Chicago, Illinois.[10] Two further low key albums were issued in the mid to late-1990s, before White seemingly stopped recording and performing.[11]
Two compilation discs, 1996's At Her Best and 2001's More of the Best, contained selections of her most popular work.[6]
Personal life
She became married to Ike Darby[12] and, in 1987, they relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Darby died on September 6, 1988.[13]