Laura Branigan: From "Gloria" To Fame & Legacy | Remembering The Icon
Could a single song truly define a decade and etch an artist into the annals of music history? For Laura Branigan, the answer is a resounding yes, as her iconic hit "Gloria" not only topped charts but also became the anthem of the 1980s.
Born on July 3, 1952, Laura Branigan's journey to stardom began in Armonk, New York. She honed her skills at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, laying the groundwork for a career that would encompass singing, songwriting, and acting. Before striking out on her own, Branigan gained valuable experience touring Europe as a backing vocalist, preparing her for the spotlight that would soon find her.
Branigan's career wasn't confined to just one genre. She fearlessly traversed various musical landscapes, leaving an indelible mark on each. Her discography boasts an impressive array of hit songs, each one a testament to her vocal prowess and artistic vision. Self Control, Gloria, and How Am I Supposed to Live Without You became anthems that resonated with audiences across the globe. Her music was not only played on the radio but also featured in several movies.
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Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Laura Ann Branigan |
Born | July 3, 1952, Mount Kisco, New York, USA |
Died | August 26, 2004 (aged 52), in her sleep at her home |
Cause of Death | Brain aneurysm |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
Known For | "Gloria," "Self Control," "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" |
Marital Status | Married to Laurence Ross Kruteck |
Education | Academy of Dramatic Arts, Manhattan |
Debut Album | Branigan (1982) |
Associated Acts | Umberto Tozzi, Michael Bolton, Giancarlo Bigazzi |
Movies Appearances | Flashdance (1983), Ghostbusters (1984), I, Tonya (2017) |
Television Appearances | Numerous television shows |
Official Website | Laura Branigan Official Website |
The 1980s saw the rise of numerous musical artists, but few possessed the captivating stage presence and vocal range of Laura Branigan. She quickly became one of the era's most exciting singers. In 1982, the platinum hit "Gloria" catapulted her to the forefront of the music scene. This signature song wasnt just a hit; it was a phenomenon. It spent 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, a record for a female artist at the time, and reached number one in Australia and Canada. Beyond her US success, "Gloria" and other songs like "Self Control" also became major hits internationally.
Branigan's success was not limited to the US. She achieved substantial success in the UK with "Self Control," an example of her versatility and ability to embrace different musical styles. It showcased her talent for delivering powerful performances that resonated with audiences across the globe.
Branigans career was also marked by her work in television and film. Her songs graced the soundtracks of iconic movies such as "Flashdance" and "Ghostbusters," embedding her music in the cultural zeitgeist. Moreover, she made appearances in several television shows. In the movie scene she was an actress and composer, known for flashdance (1983), ghostbusters (1984) and i, tonya (2017).
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Her debut studio album, "Branigan," released on March 8, 1982, by Atlantic Records, marked the beginning of her solo career. The album's lead single, "All Night With Me," reached number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while the second single, an English version of Italian singer Umberto Tozzi's song "Gloria," was a commercial success. The song propelled Branigan to international prominence, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through her interpretations of international hits.
Branigan's artistic journey also took her beyond the confines of her own work. She performed "Ti Amo," a song originally recorded by Umberto Tozzi in 1977, and this further demonstrated her ability to select and interpret songs from different sources, expanding her repertoire and solidifying her place in the music world.
In a career filled with highs, Branigan left an artistic legacy that is still celebrated. She married Laurence Ross Kruteck, but her personal life was often overshadowed by her professional successes. The news of her passing, at the age of 52, due to a brain aneurysm, sent shockwaves through the music industry. The world mourned the loss of a truly remarkable talent, a singer who had not only created memorable music, but also shaped the musical landscape of the 1980s.
Laura Branigan's story underscores the transformative power of music, her ability to captivate audiences with her voice and her lasting impact on the world of music.
The official artist channel on YouTube, a valuable resource for fans, features a compilation of Laura Branigan's official music videos, allowing new generations to discover her iconic songs and revisit her memorable performances.
Album Title | Release Details | Peak Chart Positions |
---|---|---|
Branigan | March 8, 1982 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #27, AUS: #48, FIN: #25 |
Branigan 2 | December 1983 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #62 |
Self Control | April 1984 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #23 |
Hold Me | July 1985 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #34 |
Touch | July 1987 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #71 |
Laura Branigan | July 1990 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: #139 |
Over My Heart | October 1993 (Atlantic Records) | Billboard Hot 200: Did not chart |
The Best of Laura Branigan | 1995 | Compilation Album |


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