Annie Laurie (musician) facts for kids

Annie Laurie (born Annie L. Page, August 11, 1924 – November 13, 2006) was an American singer. She was famous for her "jump blues" and "rhythm and blues" music. These are exciting styles of music that were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Annie Laurie often worked with the bandleader and songwriter Paul Gayten. She also had several hit songs on her own.

Her career as a singer began in the mid-1940s and continued until the early 1960s. Some famous singers had different opinions about her talent. For example, Dinah Washington said Annie Laurie was her favorite singer. But Irma Thomas simply said, "Annie Laurie? She was okay."

Annie Laurie is best known for her version of the song "Since I Fell for You." She also had another big hit song called "It Hurts to Be in Love." This song made it into the Top Ten R&B hits in the United States.

Life and Music Career

Annie Laurie was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. We don't know many details about her early life. However, music researchers believe her full name was Annie L. Page. They think she was born in 1924.

Starting Her Singing Journey

Annie Laurie began her singing career by performing with two "territory bands." These were musical groups that traveled and played in specific regions. She sang with bands led by Dallas Bartley and Snookum Russell. They often performed on the "Chitlin' Circuit," which was a network of venues that welcomed African American performers during a time of segregation.

In 1945, she recorded a song called "Saint Louis Blues." She sang this with Dallas Bartley's band for Cosmo Records. Later, she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. There, she joined Paul Gayten's band.

Working with Paul Gayten

In 1947, Annie Laurie was performing with Gayten in New Orleans. During one concert, Gayten invited a young musician named Fats Domino to play on stage. He played a song called "Swanee River Boogie."

Between 1947 and 1950, Annie Laurie recorded many songs with Gayten's orchestra. She recorded for both Regal and De Luxe labels. Her first big success was her version of "Since I Fell for You" in 1947. Cosimo Matassa, who owned the recording studio, loved her performance. He said, "Annie Laurie did the first really good record that I liked... [She] was just fantastic."

After "Since I Fell for You," she had more successful songs. These included "Cuttin' Out" (1949), "You Ought To Know" (1950), "I Need Your Love" (1950), "Now That You're Gone" (1950), and "I'll Never Be Free" (1950). Annie Laurie also went on tour with Gayten's orchestra in 1951.

Later Career and Hits

Annie Laurie stopped working with Regal Records in 1951. She then started recording for Okeh. By 1956, her songs were released on Savoy Records. She recorded in New York City with Hal Singer's orchestra. The famous guitarist Mickey Baker also played on these recordings.

Her biggest hit song came in 1957. De Luxe Records released "It Hurts to Be in Love." This song was written by Julius Dixson and Rudy Toombs. Other songs she released with De Luxe included "Hand in Hand" and "Love Is A Funny Thing," both in 1957.

In July 1960, Annie Laurie performed in a concert in Chicago. She shared the stage with other famous artists like Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Five Satins, Joe Turner, Faye Adams, Ben E. King, and Nappy Brown. In the same month, she had her last song to appear on the music charts, "If You're Lonely."

By 1962, she was recording for Ritz Records. She made several songs for them. However, she decided to leave the music industry around this time.

Annie Laurie passed away in Titusville, Florida, in 2006. She was 82 years old.

Music Recordings

Here are some of Annie Laurie's most popular songs and albums.

Songs That Made the Charts

This table shows which of her songs became popular hits.

Album Collections

These are albums that collected her songs together.

See Also

• List of jump blues musicians