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.
tenderness
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks don't look like they used to
Everything that I try
Turns from good to goodbye
I don't know who to turn to
My heart longs for another
One on one with each other
Deep down inside of me
I want a little tenderness
I need a little honesty
Looking for the open heart
Openin' his arms to me
I wanna fall in love again
To find the love I've never known
I need a little tenderness of my own
I've had just too much of
Of these users using up my love
Deep down inside of me
It's so, so easy to see
I want a little tenderness
I need a little honesty
Looking for the open heart
Openin' his arms to me
I wanna fall in love again
To find the love I've never known
I need a little tenderness of my own
In Laura Branigan's song "Tenderness," the lyrics depict a woman who is lost and searching for love and sincerity. She is at a point where she doesn't know who to turn to, and her efforts to find love have only led to goodbyes. The looks of her potential partners don't match her expectations, and her heart longs for someone that is willing to have a heart-to-heart conversation with her. Deep down, she knows what she wants - tenderness, honesty, and an open heart. She wants to fall in love with someone and experience the kind of love that she's never had before.
The lyrics highlight the struggle that many people face when it comes to finding love. It's easy to fall for someone's looks, but it's much harder to find someone who is genuine and caring. The singer is looking for someone who will open their arms to her and provide her with the tenderness and love that she craves. She's had enough of people using her love, and she wants to find someone who will appreciate her for who she is and not just use her for their own benefit.
Line by Line Meaning
don't know who to turn to
Feeling lost and confused, unable to determine whom to seek solace from.
Looks don't look like they used to
Appearances don't hold the same appeal as they once did.
Everything that I try
Every attempt made to improve the situation.
Turns from good to goodbye
Ends up in disappointment, causing the relationship to fall apart.
My heart longs for another
Desperately yearning for someone to hold onto and love.
One on one with each other
Experiencing intimacy with a partner, blocking out the rest of the world.
Deep down inside of me
Buried beneath the surface of the individual's outlook lies an overwhelming need for companionship and love.
It's so, so easy to see
This need is apparent and straightforward despite attempts to move past it.
I want a little tenderness
Seeking affection and delicate care from a partner.
I need a little honesty
Asking for integrity and trust from a partner.
Looking for the open heart
Searching for a partner who wears their emotions on their sleeve and is not afraid to express themselves.
Openin' his arms to me
Imagining a partner who is ready to embrace and comfort them.
I wanna fall in love again
Longing for a deep, emotional connection with a partner.
To find the love I've never known
Hoping to experience a love that is more profound and meaningful than any they have previously encountered.
I've had just too much of
Feeling drained and exhausted from previous relationships where partners were selfish and took advantage of their love.
Of these users using up my love
Expressing disappointment in partners who only sought out the individual for their own benefit and satisfaction.
I need a little tenderness of my own
Reiterating the desire for a caring, nurturing relationship with a partner who reciprocates their love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICK BILLINGHAM, ROGER CHARLERY, DAVID WAKELING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind