The platinum-certified 1982 cover of Umberto Tozzi's single Gloria remained on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 36 weeks, setting a record for a female artist at the time. Laura Branigan propelled this track to international prominence, establishing a career that spanned pop music, television, and film throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Early Development and Career Foundations
Born in 1952 in Mount Kisco, New York, Branigan attended Byram Hills High School before pursuing training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her professional entry into music began with the formation of the folk-rock band Meadow in 1972, which produced one album. By 1976, she was working as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen on his European tour. Atlantic Records signed her in 1979 under Ahmet Ertegun.
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Branigan's debut album, Branigan (1982), featured Gloria, which peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Her third album, Self Control (1984), reached the top of the charts in Germany and Canada while hitting number four in the U.S. Throughout the decade, she achieved consistent commercial success with hits including Solitaire, How Am I Supposed to Live Without You, and The Power of Love. She secured a win at the 1984 Tokyo Music Festival with the song The Lucky One.
Acting Roles and Soundtrack Contributions
Beyond her vocal work, Branigan maintained a career as an actor in film and television. Her screen credits include appearances on CHiPs, Automan, and Knight Rider, as well as roles in the films Mugsy's Girls and Backstage. She contributed to major motion picture soundtracks, most notably for Flashdance, Ghostbusters, and the television series Miami Vice. She also provided music for national advertising campaigns for brands including Dr Pepper, Coca-Cola, and Chrysler.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the release of her final studio album, Over My Heart, in 1993, Branigan experienced a decline in public profile. She cared for her husband, Larry Kruteck, until his death in 1996. After a hiatus, she returned to performing in the early 2000s, appearing in the off-Broadway musical Love, Janis. She died in 2004 in East Quogue, New York. In 2019, the NHL's St. Louis Blues adopted Gloria as an unofficial victory anthem.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Mount Kisco
- Died: 2004, East Quogue
- Primary Fields: Pop music, film, television
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts
- 1984 Award: Tokyo Music Festival winner
- Signature hit: Gloria (1982)
Questions readers ask
What was Laura Branigan's most successful album?
Her most successful studio album was 1984's platinum release, Self Control.
Did Laura Branigan act in addition to singing?
Yes, she worked as a stage, television, and film actor, appearing in programs like CHiPs and films such as Mugsy's Girls.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music, folk rock and dance music
