Daniels, Maxine (1930–2003)
Daniels, Maxine (1930–2003)
English jazz singer. Name variations: Gladys Daniels or Maxine Gladys Daniels; Gladys Lynch. Born Gladys Lynch, Nov 2, 1930, in London, England; died Oct 20, 2003, in Romford, England; sister of Kenny Lynch (singer and entertainer); m. Charlie Daniels, 1950 (died 1993); children: 1 daughter.
After WWII, sang with bands in London; won ITV network's "Youth Takes a Bow" talent contest (1953); earned reputation singing with Denny Boyce Band (1954–56); signed by Bernard Delfont agency, made debut at Chiswick Empire Theatre (1956); sang at clubs, cabarets, and theaters in London, including Churchill's and Palladium; signed contract with Oriole Records (1957) and recorded singles, including "Coffee Bar Calypso" and "Why Should I Care?"; retired from music (1958–66); after return, toured with Pizza Express All Stars and with Best of British Jazz; appeared in stage shows, including Evergreen, The Songs of Irving Berlin and Swinging Down Memory Lane; recorded albums, A Beautiful Friendship, A Pocketful of Dreams and The Memory of Tonight; toured in Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Ladies of Jazz (1990s); appeared with American entertainers Billy Eckstine, Al Cohn, and Wild Bill Davison.