This month we celebrate a very special milestone in Laura's career and legacy, as Other Half Entertainment marks the 40th ANNIVERSARY of the release of Laura's 1982 Atlantic Records debut album BRANIGAN! It was Laura's talent and years of hard work, perseverance, determination, and belief in herself that brought her to that point in 1982, accompanied by her naturally powerful, distinctive, resonant, emotive, four octave voice. Truth is, with her adaptability of voice, Laura could have succeeded in any genre, and BRANIGAN was her door opener into the pop music world - a cohesive album with four up-tempo tracks interspersed amongst five skillful ballads. BRANIGAN's 9-song track list includes the following: "All Night with Me," "Gloria," "Lovin' You Baby," "Living A Lie," "If You Loved Me," "Please Stay, Go Away," "I Wish We Could Be Alone," "Down Like a Rock," and “Maybe I Love You.”
The album opener, "All Night with Me," served as the lead single...and a few months later came "Gloria," an energetic fusion of American and European sound that radio initially shied away from, but the song could not be contained and deservedly went on to become Laura's mega breakout hit in the United States and beyond, launching her career like a rocket, propelling Laura to international stardom. In the 40 years since, "Gloria" became Laura's definitive signature song and remains one of the most recognizable and iconic songs of not only the 80's, but the whole of pop music history.
The release of a first album is both exciting and challenging for the artist - a time when the music they've worked so hard to perfect is finally presented to the public, but also a time wrought of uncertainty as to how well-received the album will be, if at all. Thankfully for Laura, and for the rest of us, BRANIGAN was a true winner, a great success, which set the course for Laura's life and all her musical and entertainment endeavors that were to come.
As with any of Laura's career milestones that are now attained, it's bittersweet, as we so wish Laura were here to celebrate her achievements with the rest of us...but she IS here with us, in spirit and in our hearts always. Thank you, Laura, for all you have given us of yourself and your artistry - We love you and miss you immeasurably - Happy 40th!!