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.
The challenge
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like an eagle flies
For it's own height,
You're given everything before the game,
And the moment comes,
When the truth will find the winner it can side.
You play your part out,
Like the final scene,
from a child who dreams,
You found the one way to play the game,
And as you stand on top,
Gain the strength to make the winner run from you this time,
So you wanna be better then ever,
And you're pushing it right to the line,
Knowing it's now or never,
Cause the time has come,
The time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Face it!
A little luck and the will to win,
Like an eagle flies
For it's own height,
You're given everything before the game,
And the moment comes,
When the truth will find the winner it can side.
So you wanna be better then ever,
And you're pushing it right to the line,
Knowing it's now or never,
Cause the time has come,
The time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
The lyrics of Laura Branigan's song The Challenge convey a message of perseverance, determination, and ambition. The repeated references to an eagle soaring for its height epitomize how one's aspirations should be limitless like the sky itself. The singer stresses upon the importance of having a little luck and the will to win, which is ultimately what it takes to accomplish one's objectives. The opening lines suggest that one is given everything before the game starts, implying that opportunities await those who are willing to put in the work. The truth will ultimately find the winner it can side with, but it is up to the individual to demonstrate their capability.
Line by Line Meaning
A little luck and the will to win,
With some good fortune and a strong determination,
Like an eagle flies
Soaring high and confident,
For it's own height,
Reaching for personal bests,
You're given everything before the game,
You have all the resources you need before starting,
And the moment comes,
And then that crucial time arrives,
When the truth will find the winner it can side.
When the truth will reveal who is truly the winner.
You play your part out,
You give it your all,
You grow and grow,
You keep improving,
Like the final scene,
Like the climactic ending,
from a child who dreams,
Starting from a dreamy and hopeful place,
You found the one way to play the game,
You have discovered the best strategy for winning,
And as you stand on top,
Now that you reign supreme,
Gain the strength to make the winner run from you this time,
You have the power to intimidate your rivals into losing.
So you wanna be better then ever,
You desire to be the best you have ever been,
And you're pushing it right to the line,
And you are using every last bit of energy and drive,
Knowing it's now or never,
Realizing the opportunity only comes once,
Cause the time has come,
Because that crucial moment has finally arrived,
The time has come,
It is time to take action,
To face it!
To confront the challenge head-on!
Now you're ready to beat,
You are perfectly prepared to triumph over,
The Challenge!
This obstacle that stands in your way,
You're takin' it to the top,
You are rising to the occasion with gusto,
The ultimate feat,
Surpassing all expectations and realizing a personal glory,
It's a moment away,
The critical instant is about to happen,
To take it,
To grab onto the opportunity,
Cause the time has come,
Because the moment is now at hand,
To face it!
To stand up boldly to the challenge!
Contributed by Lauren V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Didi_Kraft
A little luck and the will to win,
Like an eagle flies
For it's own height,
You're given everything before the game,
And the moment comes,
When the truth will find the winner it can side.
You play your part out,
You grow and grow,
Like the final scene,
from a child who dreams,
You found the one way to play the game,
And as you stand on top,
Gain the strength to make the winner run from you this time,
So you wanna be better then ever,
And you're pushing it right to the line,
Knowing it's now or never,
Cause the time has come,
The time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Face it!
A little luck and the will to win,
Like an eagle flies
For it's own height,
You're given everything before the game,
And the moment comes,
When the truth will find the winner it can side.
So you wanna be better then ever,
And you're pushing it right to the line,
Knowing it's now or never,
Cause the time has come,
The time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
Now you're ready to beat,
The Challenge!
You're takin' it to the top,
The ultimate feat,
The Challenge!
It's a moment away,
To take it,
Cause the time has come,
To face it!
David Daigle
I just cannot get enough of Laura's work. She's fantastic! I've loved her since the beginning (early 80's). I'll love her forever! She somehow touches me deeply!
spiraljoe1273
DITTO! Very ditto, David.
S. L. M.
Tragic lost but her voice is timeless love this song sound like a battle cry song for life love it
Sean Calvin Parkinson
I really love this song. I have both versions. I prefer this version though despite her voice being slightly buried in the thumping beats. This song would have been a huge hit if it was released. It has so much potential and sounds quite unique. I've never heard another song quite like this one before. Amazing :)
Graham Strachan
The last album of a truly great artist , I have been enjoying her music for the past 30 years
Arghans
It's fustrating when she has more fans then ever including alot of younger people like myself who have only recently discoverd her through youtube.
Chai Tomalabcad
Amazing artist,singer with wisdom
José Ângello
EM 2018 E OUVINDO LAURA!!!!!....PENA QUE A WARNER SÓ TINHA OLHOS PARA MADONNA......SE TEM ALGO QUE LAURA BRANIGAN TEM DE SOBRA E FALTA NA MADONNA É VOZ....ESPETACULAR.....E PARA QUEM CURTE, OUÇAM A CANTORA REGINA RICHARDS , ELA GRAVOU UM ALBUM COM O PRODUTOR DA MADONNA NA EPOCA.....IDENTICAS AS DUAS..MADONA E REGINA..........LAURA É UMA ARTISTA A PARTE...ESPECIAL, UNICA...SIMPLESMENTE FANTASTICULOSA!!!!!!!
spiraljoe1273
I still feel sadness that she died so young. I shake my head when I hear her talent compared to the fluff that makes 'stardom' these days! Such a sad testimony of the world.
Chai Tomalabcad
Sounds great