Laura Branigan
Laura Ann Branigan (born July 3, 1952, Mount Kisco, New York; died August 2… Read Full Bio ↴Laura Ann Branigan (born July 3, 1952, Mount Kisco, New York; died August 26, 2004 (aged 52), East Quogue, New York) was a singer, songwriter and actress best known for the hits "Gloria" and "Self Control". She grew up in Armonk, Westchester County, New York, USA. It wasn't until her senior year at Byram Hills High School, (1966-70) where she performed the lead role in a school musical,(Pajama Game), that she began to consider a career in entertainment. After graduation from high school, Laura moved to Manhattan and attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. (1970-72)
In the early 1970s Branigan was a member of the band Meadow, which released one album in
1973 called The Friend Ship. In 1976 (April - July) she toured Europe as a backing vocalist for Leonard Cohen. Upon Laura’s return to New York, it became clear to her that she wanted to pursue a career as a solo artist. Laura’s powerful talent, as well as her drive and determination, led to her being signed in October 1977. in a meeting at Sid Bernstein office. He became her first manager. In 1979, Laura Branigan signed with Ahmet Ertegun to the label, Atlantic Records. Her first album, known as Silver Dreams, was to be released in 1981 but it was canceled due to a contract lawsuit with her management.
Laura’s first major appearance on the pop scene was with the anthem “Gloria” in 1982, which has become the signature song of her career. "Gloria" was an English-language cover of a 1979 hit by Italian singer Umberto Tozzi. The track came from Laura’s debut album, Branigan. “Gloria” was a multi-platinum hit single, rising to the top of the Billboard charts and staying on the charts for an amazing thirty-six weeks. Laura received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocalist Female for the song.
In 1983, Laura released Branigan 2 and had two more top ten hits with “Solitaire” and “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You”, confirming her status as a major artist, with the latter track reaching the #1 position on the adult Contemporary charts. That same year, Laura could also be heard on the Flashdance soundtrack with “Imagination”. Her musical involvement with the film led her to receive her second Grammy nomination.
In 1984, the album Self Control was released with the title track, "Self Control" reaching the top ten. "Self Control" became Laura's biggest international hit single. Another single from the album, "The Lucky One" went top 40. Laura also won the coveted Grand Prize at the 13th Tokyo Music Festival for her riveting performance of “The Lucky One.”
Laura’s album Hold Me was released in 1985 and included the top 40 hit “Spanish Eddie”. In 1987 Touch was released. With this album, Laura became more personally involved with the recording process. The ballad, "The Power of Love”, returned Laura to the top 40. Throughout the 80’s, Laura’s songs also appeared on the Ghostbusters, Body Rock, Coming To America, and Salsa soundtracks.
Laura released Laura Branigan in 1990. With this album, Laura added producing to her repertoire with her cover of the disco-era "Turn The Beat Around." Laura's seventh album, Over My Heart, was released in 1993. This recording was by far her most personally reflective to date. In 1995, a US greatest hits collection called The Best of Branigan was released. This hits compilation included two new cover tracks, "Show Me Heaven" and "Dim All The Lights." There have been several international greatest hits compilations released also. Laura performed for audiences in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, touring the world several times.
During her career, Laura appeared frequently on several of the most popular television shows of the day, including "The Merv Griffin Show," American Bandstand," The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," and "Solid Gold."
Laura’s acting credits included television’s "CHiPs" and "AutoMan", among others, and the films "Mugsy’s Girls" and "Backstage".
In the mid 90's Laura took a break from her career and devoted her time to caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer, until his death. During the late 90’s while Laura was dealing with the loss of her husband, she performed only the occasional concert. In early 2001 she made her return to the studio. 2002 saw the release of "The Essentials", a digitally remastered hits compilation. During 2002, Laura also performed the role of the singing Janis Joplin in the hit New York City musical "Love, Janis."
2004 saw the release of "Self Control 2004" and "Gloria 2004", collections of remixes of the original Branigan classics produced by some of Europe's top remixers, which feature stunning, newly-recorded vocals by Laura. Laura was at work performing concerts at various venues, as well as continuing to record her album of new material, and it was with great expectation and anticipation that fans everywhere were awaiting its release. Laura was back touching audiences once again with the unique four-octave range voice, consuming passion, and undeniable power that was pure Branigan!
Sadly, Laura passed away suddenly on August 26, 2004 † from a brain aneurysm. She was 52 years. At the time of her passing, Laura was working on the production of an EP, a manuscript for a cookbook she was in the process of writing, and the opening of her official online store.
The years since her passing have seen the release of the 2006 UK greatest hits compilation, "The Platinum Collection" and the 2007 repackaging of Laura's US hits compilation, "The Best Of Branigan," as part of Warner Music's "Greatest Hits" series. In 2008, Laura's albums "Touch," "Laura Branigan," and "Over My Heart" were reissued.
Did you know Laura Branigan:
- attended St John's and St Mary's Church in Chappaqua, Westchester County. In spring 1959 she had her holy communion, and added Frances to her names. Laura Ann Frances Branigan.
- attended catholic school, Chappaqua. Graduated 1966
- attended Byram Hills High School in Armonk between 1966-1970. Her graduation day was June 21, 1970.
- Byram Hills Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a senior for excellence in the Performing Arts.
The award is presented in memory of Laura Branigan, BHHS class of 1970.
- attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Manhattan New York, between 1970-1972.
- was a background singer on Leonard Cohen's 1st tour in Europe, April to July 1976
Laura Branigan was married to Lawrence "Larry" Ross Kruteck (1936-1996), a lawyer 16 years her senior, in December 8, 1978.
In the early 1970s Branigan was a member of the band Meadow, which released one album in
1973 called The Friend Ship. In 1976 (April - July) she toured Europe as a backing vocalist for Leonard Cohen. Upon Laura’s return to New York, it became clear to her that she wanted to pursue a career as a solo artist. Laura’s powerful talent, as well as her drive and determination, led to her being signed in October 1977. in a meeting at Sid Bernstein office. He became her first manager. In 1979, Laura Branigan signed with Ahmet Ertegun to the label, Atlantic Records. Her first album, known as Silver Dreams, was to be released in 1981 but it was canceled due to a contract lawsuit with her management.
Laura’s first major appearance on the pop scene was with the anthem “Gloria” in 1982, which has become the signature song of her career. "Gloria" was an English-language cover of a 1979 hit by Italian singer Umberto Tozzi. The track came from Laura’s debut album, Branigan. “Gloria” was a multi-platinum hit single, rising to the top of the Billboard charts and staying on the charts for an amazing thirty-six weeks. Laura received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocalist Female for the song.
In 1983, Laura released Branigan 2 and had two more top ten hits with “Solitaire” and “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You”, confirming her status as a major artist, with the latter track reaching the #1 position on the adult Contemporary charts. That same year, Laura could also be heard on the Flashdance soundtrack with “Imagination”. Her musical involvement with the film led her to receive her second Grammy nomination.
In 1984, the album Self Control was released with the title track, "Self Control" reaching the top ten. "Self Control" became Laura's biggest international hit single. Another single from the album, "The Lucky One" went top 40. Laura also won the coveted Grand Prize at the 13th Tokyo Music Festival for her riveting performance of “The Lucky One.”
Laura’s album Hold Me was released in 1985 and included the top 40 hit “Spanish Eddie”. In 1987 Touch was released. With this album, Laura became more personally involved with the recording process. The ballad, "The Power of Love”, returned Laura to the top 40. Throughout the 80’s, Laura’s songs also appeared on the Ghostbusters, Body Rock, Coming To America, and Salsa soundtracks.
Laura released Laura Branigan in 1990. With this album, Laura added producing to her repertoire with her cover of the disco-era "Turn The Beat Around." Laura's seventh album, Over My Heart, was released in 1993. This recording was by far her most personally reflective to date. In 1995, a US greatest hits collection called The Best of Branigan was released. This hits compilation included two new cover tracks, "Show Me Heaven" and "Dim All The Lights." There have been several international greatest hits compilations released also. Laura performed for audiences in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, touring the world several times.
During her career, Laura appeared frequently on several of the most popular television shows of the day, including "The Merv Griffin Show," American Bandstand," The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," and "Solid Gold."
Laura’s acting credits included television’s "CHiPs" and "AutoMan", among others, and the films "Mugsy’s Girls" and "Backstage".
In the mid 90's Laura took a break from her career and devoted her time to caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer, until his death. During the late 90’s while Laura was dealing with the loss of her husband, she performed only the occasional concert. In early 2001 she made her return to the studio. 2002 saw the release of "The Essentials", a digitally remastered hits compilation. During 2002, Laura also performed the role of the singing Janis Joplin in the hit New York City musical "Love, Janis."
2004 saw the release of "Self Control 2004" and "Gloria 2004", collections of remixes of the original Branigan classics produced by some of Europe's top remixers, which feature stunning, newly-recorded vocals by Laura. Laura was at work performing concerts at various venues, as well as continuing to record her album of new material, and it was with great expectation and anticipation that fans everywhere were awaiting its release. Laura was back touching audiences once again with the unique four-octave range voice, consuming passion, and undeniable power that was pure Branigan!
Sadly, Laura passed away suddenly on August 26, 2004 † from a brain aneurysm. She was 52 years. At the time of her passing, Laura was working on the production of an EP, a manuscript for a cookbook she was in the process of writing, and the opening of her official online store.
The years since her passing have seen the release of the 2006 UK greatest hits compilation, "The Platinum Collection" and the 2007 repackaging of Laura's US hits compilation, "The Best Of Branigan," as part of Warner Music's "Greatest Hits" series. In 2008, Laura's albums "Touch," "Laura Branigan," and "Over My Heart" were reissued.
Did you know Laura Branigan:
- attended St John's and St Mary's Church in Chappaqua, Westchester County. In spring 1959 she had her holy communion, and added Frances to her names. Laura Ann Frances Branigan.
- attended catholic school, Chappaqua. Graduated 1966
- attended Byram Hills High School in Armonk between 1966-1970. Her graduation day was June 21, 1970.
- Byram Hills Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a senior for excellence in the Performing Arts.
The award is presented in memory of Laura Branigan, BHHS class of 1970.
- attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Manhattan New York, between 1970-1972.
- was a background singer on Leonard Cohen's 1st tour in Europe, April to July 1976
Laura Branigan was married to Lawrence "Larry" Ross Kruteck (1936-1996), a lawyer 16 years her senior, in December 8, 1978.
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Laura Branigan Lyrics
01-Self Control Oh, the night is my world City light painted girl In the…
01. Hold Me Kinda young, very pretty Living alone, full of fear Feeling …
04. Spanish Eddie There was heat in the air and cops everywhere you…
05. Forever Young Let's dance in style let's dance for a while Heaven can…
06. When I'm With You got this tension down in my bones Feel it come whenever…
07. I Found Someone Don't you know, so many things they come and go Like…
10. When The Heat Hits The Streets You don't know if you're awake or dreaming The sky is…
All Night Long I wish I knew what you were thinkin' Sometimes with…
Angels Calling (Rosetta Stone/Jan Mullaney) Everytime I see you I get a fe…
Bad Attitude Drawn like a moth to a flame I've been comsumed by…
Breaking Out She breathes a sigh, watching as her life goes by…
Close Enough I've been waiting all of my life For you, stranger,…
Cry Wolf You couldn't wait for answers You just had to try those…
Deep in the Dark Check it out, Joe I'll tell you a secret If…
Didn't We Almost Win It All (Laura Branigan/Brian Becvar) You don't act the same And yo…
Dim All the Lights Dim all the lights sweet darling 'Cause tonight it's all…
Don't Show Your Love Looking to find somebody new That's what I've got in mind…
Down Like a Rock (Randy Van Warmer) Was there light on the water when I…
Find Me If you see me trembling 'cause you're near Please come…
Foolish Lullaby (Jack White/Mark Spiro) You always run to me Whenever she l…
Forever Young Let's dance in style let's dance for a while Heaven can…
Gloria Gloria, you're always on the run now Running after somebody,…
Gloria 2004 Gloria You're always on the run now Runnin' after somebody Y…
Heart It's the hour of the night time When the demons…
Hold Me Kinda young, very pretty Living alone, full of fear Feeling …
Hot Night Here in the night There's a perfume in the air You can…
How Am I Supposed To Live With I could hardly believe it when I heard the news…
How Can I Help You Say Goodbye Through the back window of a '59 wagon I watched my…
How Can I Help You To Say Goodbye Through the back window of a '59 wagon I watched my…
I Found Someone Don't you know, so many things they come and go Like…
I Know You by Heart Midnights in winter, the glowing fire Lights up your face in…
I Wish We Could Be Alone I wish we could be alone So all of the world…
I'll Wait For You (Laura Branigan/Kevin Wells) Time, time gets the best of me…
I'm Not the Only One Secret eyes follow you around the room They try to…
If You Loved Me If you loved me, I'm sure that you would know…
Imagination He says that he can read my mind, the power…
Is There Anybody Here But Me Sitting in 'la castlette' The same place we first met Trying…
It's Been Hard Enough Getting Over You For the first time, in such a long time I've been…
Let Me In Driving through the city As I look through the window…
Living a Lie You've been callin' and there's no answer Now you're wonder…
Looking Out For Number One Looking out for number one Looking out for myself seems…
Love Me Tonight Tonight you're mine, completely You give your soul so sweetl…
Love Your Girl (Gloria Estefan/Jorge Casas/Clay Ostwald) Oh I love my baby…
Lovin' You Baby I try to be all of the things you say…
Lucky Maybe I'm a fool, one day we'll know Maybe I'm…
Lucky One You can break away or you can stay You choose…
Mama Mama, remember how you warned me that he would only…
Mangwane Mangwane, Mpulele Ke nelwa pula (repeat) Le ga di le peli, …
Maybe I Love You (Trevor Veitch/Greg Mathieson/Alan Sorrenti) Maybe I love…
Maybe Tonight Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow It's just a matter of time Unt…
Meaning of the Word Now there's a wind blowin' leaves alone the empty street Do…
Memories ""MEMORIES"" Written by: Laura Branigan Memories, your body …
Moonlight on the Water What's goin' on down on the planet What's goin' on inside…
Moonlight on Water What's goin' on down on the planet What's goin' on inside…
Mujer Contra Mujer Nada tienen de especial Dos mujeres que se dan la…
Name Game The name game. Shirley! Shirley, Shirley. Bo-ber-ley, bo-na-…
Never in a Million Years Oh if I could touch you It'd be a once in…
No Promis No Guarantee You know we've all been hurt before And it's so hard…
No Promise No Guarantee You know we've all been hurt before And it's so hard…
Only Time Will Tell (Kevin Wells/Andre Pessis) We're all a mystery in this worl…
Over Love My head touches the pillow Dreams of us come rushin' through…
Over My Heart I've been burned by love, fooled by deception Though times …
Over You I don't lose my breath When I hear a step…
Please Stay Go Away I'm caught in a crossfire, with nowhere to run I'm keepin'…
Power of Love The whispers in the morning Of lovers sleeping tight Are rol…
Reverse Psychology All the girls are runnin' after you And I've got to…
Sanctuary Do you think you can find In other arms the peace…
Satisfaction Don't know what you're doin', but you're doin' somethin' I…
Self Control Oh, the night is my world City light painted girl In the…
Self controll Oh, the night is my world City light painted girl In the…
Shadow of Love Feel it tonight Rainin' down as cold as ice The air that…
Shattered Glass I gave you everything I had You broke it up and…
Show Me Heaven There you go Flashing fever from your eyes Hey babe,…
Silent Partners We have to take our chances, we have to keep…
Smoke Screen I confess I love you But you don't believe me You're on…
Solitaire I still remember how much I used to need you Tried…
Solitare I still remember how much I used to need you…
Spanish Eddie There was heat in the air and cops everywhere you…
Spirit of Love I can't tell you no one will ever die from…
Squeeze Box Mama's got a squeeze box She wears on her chest …
Statue in the Rain (Rick Palombi/Mathew Garey) The days grow old like winter…
Take Me I fancied you for a very long time You finally…
Tenderness don't know who to turn to Looks don't look like…
The Best Was Yet to Come Just a small town girl in the city lights The best…
The Challenge A little luck and the will to win, Like an eagle…
The Lucky One You can break away or you can stay You choose…
The Power of Love The whispers in the morning Of lovers sleeping tight Are rol…
The Sweet Hello The Sad Goodbye Red like fire was the day I met you I tell…
The Sweet Hello, The Sad Goodbye (Per Gessle) Red like fire was the day I met you I…
The Winner Takes It All I don't wanna talk about things we've gone through, Though i…
Ti Amo Ti amo God how I love you so My heart just won't…
Ti' Amo Ti Amo Laura Branigan Self Control Ti amo, God how…
Touch Let me tell you baby what I want to do There's…
Turn the Beat Around Turn the beat around Love to hear percussion Turn it upside…
Unison Somewhere tonight we come alive Two hearts ignite we're one…
Whatever I Do I fight the night To be alone has never frightened…
When You don't know if you're awake or dreaming The sky is…
When I'm With You got this tension down in my bones Feel it come whenever…
When Im With You got this tension down in my bones Feel it come whenever…
When the Heat Hits the Streets You don't know if you're awake or dreaming The sky is…
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow Tonight you're mine completely You gave your love so sweetly…
With Every Beat Of My Heart As I look out of my window I see your…
Your Love (Gloria Estefan/Jorge Casas/Clay Ostwald) Oh I love my baby…