Laura Branigan: The Powerhouse Voice of 80s Pop

Laura Branigan was an American pop and dance vocalist known for her powerful, emotive voice and international chart success. Her career in the 1980s was defined by a series of dramatic, synth-driven hits that showcased her remarkable vocal range and intensity.

Early Career

Born in 1952 in Brewster, New York, Laura Branigan initially pursued acting before focusing on music. She began her professional singing career as a backup vocalist, notably working with Leonard Cohen on his 1977 tour, which helped her secure a solo recording contract with Atlantic Records.

Breakthrough

Branigan's breakthrough arrived in 1982 with her second album, Branigan 2, and its lead single, a cover of Umberto Tozzi's "Gloria". The song became a global phenomenon, spending 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number two, earning a platinum certification in the United States and defining her signature sound.

Key Tracks

Gloria - This platinum-selling single was her career-defining hit, establishing her as a major force in pop music with its driving rhythm and her commanding vocal performance.

Self Control - The 1984 title track from her third album became another international smash, reaching the top five in the United States and number one in several European countries.

Solitaire - A dramatic ballad from the Branigan 2 album that further demonstrated her ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability.

How Am I Supposed to Live Without You - Originally recorded by Branigan in 1983, this song, co-written by Michael Bolton, became a number one hit for Bolton years later, highlighting her early influence.

The Lucky One - This 1984 single continued her streak of dance-pop success, showcasing the polished production style characteristic of her peak era.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Laura Branigan maintained a consistent chart presence with albums like Self Control (1984) and Hold Me (1985). Her music often blended American pop with European disco and synth-pop influences, leading to significant success in both markets. She also contributed to film soundtracks, most notably recording "The Power of Love" for the 1985 movie Ghostbusters, though a different artist's version was ultimately used in the film.

Artists with a similar vocal power and 80s pop-dance style include Cyndi Lauper, who also emerged in the early 80s with a vibrant pop sound. Bonnie Tyler shares Branigan's penchant for dramatic, husky-voiced power ballads and anthems. The dance-pop drive of Taylor Dayne in the late 80s carries a similar energy to Branigan's biggest hits. Furthermore, Pat Benatar parallels Branigan's strong vocal delivery and rock-inflected pop approach during the same era.

Laura Branigan's music remains a staple on classic hits and 80s-focused radio stations, where her anthems are regularly featured. Her recordings continue to resonate on formats that celebrate the defining pop and dance sounds of the 1980s.

The music of Laura Branigan is available to hear on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover her iconic hits through the stations available on onairium.com.