I am a huge Laura fan. She had one of the most powerful voices filled with such emotion. I remember the first time I heard self control on the radio, I went out and snatched up a copy of that album. I still can't get enough of that song, as well as many other favorites. Laura Brainigan will forever remain one of my all time favorite artists.

I love Laura as well. I've had this article in the back of my mind but just had to finally get it out after listening to the "Self Control" album last week. The song "Ti Amo" is absolutely amazing. Laura had such a great voice. It's too bad that there weren't people marketing her better.

Likes: Alanis Morisette; Laura Branigan. Dislikes: Bruce Springsteen; U2.

Well I guess that explains it.

-Glen

Glen, what does this have to do with Bruce Springsteen or U2? Oh, I get it. They are the music industry's "approved" artists, selected by a few people who don't represent the main public and if others don't agree with them, damn them to hell.

Well actually Daryl it has nothing to do with either of them. Which I have to admit represents a rather refreshing first as far as your articles go.

-Glen

I think it depends on whether you are regardng an artist with a personal viewpoint (subjective) or a critical viewpoint (objective).

From a personal viewpoint, everyone develops their own likes and dislikes and there's nothing for which one needs to apologise. For instance, I like the Monkees, Lawrence Welk, Oasis and Motorhead, and I really don't care whether you think they're crap or not. heck, I'd be willing to admit there's something iffy about all of those artists, but I still enjoy them.

However, from a critical or objective viewpoint, there are certain criteria that an artist must meet before they can be graded as acceptable. The problem with pop music and rock journalism, is that although there are schools of thought, there haven't been a readily defined set of benchmarks that ensure an artist has a tained a quality standing. There's lots of different ways to look at an artist critically.

This is further complicated by the standard line (whose author I don't remember) that rock music demands more emotional involvement from it s audience than pop does.

I would suggest that Laura Branigan, though a competent singer, has reached nowhere near as many standards as there are that indicate her art is in the same category as a Dylan, Springsteen, or Lucinda Williams. But feel free to like her music - I'll be listening to some Grand Funk vinyl I have stashed in the basement.

Skeeter.

Thanks, on the behalf of the Branigan family, for this article. There were a lot of behind the scenes things going on with the different record companies that caused Laura not to have the continuing success she should have had. She was really upset about the way her career was managed, but soon realized what was really important in life. She was a very happy person when she suddenly died and I still think about her every day.

And thank you B. Branigan for the additional insight.

I'm glad Laura never became a product that was forced upon us by the industry. In an era where just about everything can be artificially generated or enhanced, she stood out as something real; someone to be appreciated instead of something to be consumed.

I think Laura Branigan has never really been given a fair music chance in this world. She has such an amazing voice that shouldn't be reckoned with. She also did a version of the song "How Can I Help You To Say Goodbye." Patty Loveless might have recorded that song first, but I've heard Laura's version; and I think she should be given some credit for that song. Some of her songs that have wound up on movie soundtracks should have been heard on the radio as well. That would've given her some more extra chances to be heard as well as any of her extended remixes. Jsut hearign her voice and the way she sings them makes me always remember her. Overall, in my heart, she will always be remembered for her beautiful songs that would have put us in any mood.

I had the biggest crush on Ms. B with the "Self Control" video when I was 12 years old. I admit to not knowing a lot of her later work but there was a kind of classy edge to her pop songcraft that a lot of cheesy balladeers such as Bolton and Dion have never had.

Daryl, Yes Laura is gone... but forgotten? No way! Fans around the world carry her spirit and her music in their hearts and minds (and iPods!). How many times have I read on Laura's official discussion forum about how an LB song touched a heart or helped someone get through a difficult time in life. This still goes on today. Thank God that some months prior to her death, Laura found a management team - Other Half Entertainment - willing to take her on, maintain a real official web presence Laura Branigan, and work to maintain a positive image of Laura in the industry. To this day her management continue the legacy, working with the record companies to bring about such works as the Platinum Collection UK release you have pictured at the top of your post. Her legacy goes on! She will always be remembered fondly, and I would suggest anyone who would like to keep up on what is still going on with the Laura Branigan legacy to bookmark her sole official website.

I adore this VOCALIST! LAURA BRANIGAN has not been forgotten. Many people are still not aware she passed on. Whenever I'm in a retail outlet that has satellite radio - you can hear Laura's beautiful voice through one of her many hits as well as choice album tracks being played over head. You can also hear shoppers singing & humming along to her recordings as they shop. SELF CONTROL; HOW AM I SUPPOSED...; LUCKY ONE; NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS; GLORIA; SOLITAIRE are just a few you'll hear. I have always believed her version of the Roxette track, "SWEET HELLO, SAD GOODBYE" is one of her most astoundingly adventurous epics - what a spectacular vocal - Laura's eclipses the original!