Presenting this rare song gem, the melancholy ballad "A Rose and a Tear," which Laura herself wrote in the late 70's. After returning home from touring as a backing vocalist for Leonard Cohen's 1976 European tour, Laura was determined to pursue a career as a solo artist and began writing her own songs, her songwriting style characterized as poetic, personal, and emotive. In a chance meeting on the streets of New York City, Laura met Sid Bernstein, the legendary promoter and manager who brought The Beatles to the United States in 1964, as well as guided the careers of many others in the music industry. It was "A Rose and a Tear" that Laura performed at the piano for Sid in 1977 after she asked him for an audition, with the hope that he would manage her. He was deeply touched by the song and Laura's talents, so much so that he agreed to become Laura's first manager. Later in 1978, Laura would perform a few songs for Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, including "A Rose and a Tear" at the piano. He also was very moved, which culminated in Laura being signed to the Atlantic label, with Ahmet being confident that she would be the next star. The rest is indeed history!