Biography

Laura Branigan

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Laura Branigan was a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her powerhouse voice and international hits of the 1980s. Upon graduation from high school in Armonk, NY, Laura attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. During the 1970's, prior to establishing a solo career and signing with Atlantic Records, Laura was a singer/songwriter for folk/rock group Meadow and she also performed as a backing vocalist for Leonard Cohen while on tour in Europe. Laura rose to international fame with her 1982 breakthrough single "Gloria" and followed with chart-topping successes including "Solitaire", "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You", and her 1984 smash "Self Control". Her music was featured in films such as Flashdance, Ghostbusters, and Coming to America, and she appeared on popular television shows including American Bandstand, The Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Solid Gold. Branigan also acted in TV series like CHiPs and Automan, and in films including Mugsy's Girls and Backstage. Branigan's songs continue to resonate in film and television, having been featured on highly acclaimed television shows such as Mr. Robot; American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace; and Somebody Somewhere, as well as films I, Tonya; Gloria Bell; and Speak No Evil.
- IMDb mini biography by: Other Half Entertainment

Had an onstage habit of brushing her hair back with one hand, while singing
Many of her hits were English-language remakes of European hit songs, for the American market.

After she died of a brain aneurysm in her sleep, brother Mark Branigan said she had complained of having a continual headache for about two weeks before she died, but had not sought medical attention.
Had a unique four-octave range voice.
She largely left the music industry in 1994 after husband Larry Kruteck was diagnosed with colon cancer. He died in 1996.
In later years she continued to perform and record music, and dated the drummer in her band, Tommy Bayiokos. She spent most of her time, however, caring for her mother, Kathleen, 83, who had Alzheimer's, while gardening and cooking for friends.
Known mostly for her smash hit songs like "Gloria", "Self-Control", "Solitaire", "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?", "The Lucky One", "The Power of Love" and "Spanish Eddie". She also did international tours and unique music videos, which were filmed in Britain and other European countries.

I want to touch people's hearts, to get right down to their souls.
Grief is something you never really get over, but you put it in a place inside you and deal with it in the way you have to.
Everybody's been through love and pain in their lives, and that's what music is about.

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