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.
Hot Night
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a perfume in the air
You can almost smell the danger
Pressed in a crowd
You can feel the heat flow
In the touch of every stranger
We're out on the town
Keep fanning the flame
Just a little faster
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
The need in your eyes
Hits me to the heart
With a shot of stimulation
A moment with me
In a moment I will see
The burning fascination
No stopping it now
We've got to stay in motion
We're two-foot of fire
Two-foot of emotion
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
No stopping it now
We've got to stay in motion
We're two-foot of fire
Two-foot of emotion
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
We won't get no sleep tonight
Too hot, it's too hot
It's gonna be a hot night
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
It's gonna be a hot night
The song "Hot Night" by Laura Branigan is a classic 80s dance anthem about the excitement and passion of a wild night out. The lyrics describe a pulsing energy and sensuality, with a distinct focus on the physical sensations of touch, smell, and heat. There is a sense of danger and undeniable attraction in the air, as the singer and her partner seek out thrills and adventure.
The first verse sets the scene for the night, with the singer noting the presence of a perfume and the feeling of heat and electricity among the crowd. The second verse focuses on the chemistry between the singer and her partner, with their eyes locking and the moment charged with anticipation. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the heat of the night and the absence of sleep, as the singer revels in the excitement of the moment.
Throughout the song, the imagery is vivid and evocative, conjuring up the heat and intensity of the club scene. The lyrics are accompanied by a driving beat, guitars, and synths, creating a perfect backdrop for the energetic and sultry vocals.
Overall, "Hot Night" is a celebration of the irresistible allure of hedonistic pleasure and the thrill of being alive. It's a powerful dance track that perfectly captures the mood of the 80s club scene and remains a classic to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Here in the night
The events of this song take place during the late hours of the day.
There's a perfume in the air
There is a distinct smell in the atmosphere.
You can almost smell the danger
The situation is risky or potentially harmful.
Pressed in a crowd
The singer and other people are gathered together in a tight space.
You can feel the heat flow
There is a sense of warmth and intensity.
In the touch of every stranger
People are interacting physically with each other, even if they are unfamiliar with one another.
We're out on the town
The characters are venturing around the city, looking for a good time.
And it's passion that we're after
The characters are looking for intense emotional experiences.
Keep fanning the flame
The characters want to intensify their feelings and increase the energy of the night.
Just a little faster
They want the night to escalate quickly.
It's gonna be a hot night
The evening is going to be intense and overwhelming.
We're gonna have a hot night tonight
The characters are expecting a night filled with excitement and strong emotions.
We won't get no sleep tonight
The characters will not sleep at all because of the intensity of the evening.
Too hot, it's too hot
The night is so intense that it may become overwhelming or dangerous.
The need in your eyes
The singer is expressing the profound emotions that she reads in someone else's gaze.
Hits me to the heart
The emotions are strong and impacting the singer on a deep level.
With a shot of stimulation
The emotions are like an electric shock, fuelling the night's intensity.
A moment with me
The singer and her beau are enjoying a significant moment together.
In a moment I will see
The singer anticipates that from that experience, they will both be motivated by a burning passion.
The burning fascination
The emotions generated between the characters are intense and passionate.
No stopping it now
There is no way to halt the escalating intensity of emotion.
We've got to stay in motion
To maintain the excitement and passion of the night, the characters must remain active and engaged.
We're two-foot of fire
The characters are strongly stimulated and passionate.
Two-foot of emotion
The characters are deeply and intensely impacted by their feelings for each other.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Realsongs
Written by: DIANE WARREN, STEVE ANGELICA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind