What Was Laura Branigan's Net Worth?
Laura Branigan was a renowned singer and actress with a net worth of $2.5 million at the time of her passing. The value of her music catalog and royalties has significantly increased due to the widespread adoption of music streaming. Branigan's impressive body of work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Branigan is best known for her 1982 hit single 'Gloria,' a song that earned her iconic status. Other notable tracks include 'Self Control,' 'Solitaire,' 'How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,' 'Ti amo,' and 'Shattered Glass.' Additionally, Branigan's music contributions to the film soundtracks of 'Flashdance' and 'Ghostbusters' have left a lasting impact on popular culture.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 3, 1952, in Brewster, New York, Laura Branigan was the fourth of five children of Irish-American parents James Sr. and Kathleen. She grew up in Armonk and attended Catholic school in Chappaqua. Branigan graduated from Byram Hills High School and later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Career Beginnings
In 1972, Branigan formed the folk rock band Meadow with Walker Daniels, Sharon Storm, and Chris Van Cleave. The band released the album 'The Friend Ship' before disbanding. Branigan then pursued various jobs, including serving as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen during his 1976 European tour.
Studio Albums and Singles
In 1982, Branigan's debut studio album 'Branigan' was released. Although its first single 'All Night with Me' peaked at 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was a cover of Umberto Tozzi's 'Gloria' that catapulted her to fame, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. Her subsequent album, 'Branigan 2,' produced hits like 'Solitaire' and 'How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,' the latter co-written by Michael Bolton.
Branigan's continued success included her third studio album, 1984's 'Self Control,' which launched the hit title track. That same year, she contributed 'Hot Night' to the 'Ghostbusters' soundtrack. Her subsequent albums, 'Hold Me' (1985) and 'Touch' (1987), featured hits like 'Spanish Eddie,' 'Shattered Glass,' and 'The Power of Love.' Branigan released her self-titled album in 1990, followed by 'Over My Heart' in 1993. After her husband's cancer diagnosis, she stepped away from the music industry, returning only in the early 2000s.
Acting Career
Apart from her singing career, Branigan also ventured into acting. She appeared in a 1983 episode of the crime drama 'CHiPs' and had a guest role on 'Automan' in 1984. Branigan debuted in films with 'Mugsy's Girls' in 1985 and starred in the Australian film 'Backstage' in 1988. She also guest-starred in a 1991 episode of the TV series 'Monsters.'
St. Louis Blues and 'Gloria'
In 2019, Branigan's song 'Gloria' became the unofficial victory anthem for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. The team achieved a franchise-record 11-game winning streak and won their first-ever Stanley Cup. Branigan’s legacy manager Kathy Golik embraced this newfound popularity and represented the late singer during the playoffs.
Personal Life and Death
In 1978, Branigan married attorney Larry Kruteck, remaining together until his death from cancer in 1996. Branigan later dated Tommy Bayiokos, a member of her band.
Laura Branigan passed away from a cerebral aneurysm on August 26, 2004, at her home in East Quogue, New York. Her ashes were scattered over Long Island Sound.
