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 single "Gloria," from her debut album BRANIGAN! It was Laura's talent and years of hard work, perseverance, determination, and belief in herself that garnered her a recording contract with Atlantic Records. "Gloria" was the second single released from BRANIGAN and is an energetic fusion of European and American sound with an undeniable power that could not be contained. The song deservedly went on to become Laura's mega breakout hit in the United States and beyond, launching her pop career like a rocket and propelling her to international stardom. The song wonderfully captures Laura's naturally powerful, distinctive, resonant, emotive, four octave voice, as she gave "Gloria" an "American kick".
"Gloria" was originally a huge European hit in 1979 for the song's singer/songwriter Umberto Tozzi. Laura's German producer Jack White, who was familiar with the success of Tozzi's "Gloria," brought the song to Laura, and new English lyrics were penned by Trevor Veitch for Laura's version. "Gloria" stayed on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for an amazing 36 weeks, then a record for a female artist, and peaked at #2, while it hit #1 on the US Cashbox chart. The song also reached #1 in Australia and Canada. The rest is history, as "Gloria" became Laura's definitive signature song and 40 years later the song remains one of the most iconic and recognizable songs of not only the 80's, but the whole of pop music. "Gloria" is found on virtually every 80's hits compilation, and the song has frequently appeared in top level film and television productions, including "Flashdance," "I, Tonya," "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," and "It's A Sin," among others. "Gloria" has even made a big impression upon the sports world, as it has the distinction of being the victory anthem for the 2019 St. Louis Blues hockey team, who won their very first Stanley Cup Championship in team history that year - PLAY GLORIA!
Most importantly, Laura LOVED "Gloria" and never ever grew tired of singing it, always prodding her audiences to get on their feet and dance as she belted it out. Happy 40th, LB!!
To celebrate this milestone anniversary of “Gloria" through Laura's own words from interviews done in the US and other countries throughout her career, Other Half Entertainment presents our NEW long-form video, “40 Years of 'Gloria': In Her Own Words.” Enjoy this walk back through time as Laura talks about her iconic signature song!