Laura Lee (singer-songwriter) facts for kids

Laura Lee, born Laura Lee Newton on March 9, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, is a talented American singer and songwriter. She is known for her amazing soul and gospel music. Laura Lee became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Her songs were special because they often talked about and celebrated the experiences of women.

Laura Lee's Music Journey

Early Life and Gospel Roots

Laura Lee was born in Chicago. When she was a child, she moved to Detroit with her mother, Helen Bethel. In Detroit, she met Ernestine Rundless, who founded a famous gospel group called The Meditation Singers. Ernestine became a very important mentor to Laura.

The Meditation Singers were special because they were the first gospel group in Detroit to perform with musical instruments. A famous singer named Della Reese was also part of this group. The Meditation Singers recorded music in the mid-1950s and appeared on an album in 1958. They also recorded for another record label in the early 1960s.

Starting a Solo Career

In 1956, Laura Lee joined The Meditation Singers, taking Della Reese's place. She toured all over the country with the group for several years.

In 1965, Laura Lee decided to start her own solo career as an R&B (Rhythm and Blues) singer. She began performing in clubs in Detroit. Even though she was a solo artist, she still sometimes recorded with The Meditation Singers. Her first solo song was "To Win Your Heart," released in 1966.

Around this time, she recorded a cool, upbeat song called "Stop Giving Your Man Away." It was a thoughtful song that showed Laura's mature style.

Big Hits with Chess and Hot Wax

In 1967, Laura Lee signed with Chess Records. To record her song "Dirty Man," she traveled to FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This song became her first big hit, reaching number 13 on the R&B charts. She stayed with Chess Records until 1969 and had other hits like "Up Tight, Good Man" and "As Long As I Got You."

After a short time with another label, Cotillion, Laura Lee moved to Hot Wax Records in Detroit in 1970. This label was started by former Motown producers. One of her first songs for Hot Wax was "Women's Love Rights." This became one of her biggest hits, reaching number 11 on the R&B chart in 1971.

In 1972, her song "Rip Off" became her biggest R&B hit, reaching number 3! She also released an album called Two Sides of Laura Lee. Most of her music on Hot Wax was produced by William Weatherspoon.

Later Years and Gospel Music

Laura Lee left Hot Wax in 1975 and signed with Ariola Records. However, she became very ill soon after and took a break from music for several years.

She returned to music in 1983 with a gospel album called Jesus Is The Light Of My Life. She even worked with singer Al Green on this album. By 1990, she had recovered from her illness and became a minister. She has continued to record music, mostly gospel songs, ever since.

A Swedish rock band even named themselves Division of Laura Lee as a tribute to her! Laura Lee also appeared as a singer in the 1973 movie Detroit 9000.

Laura Lee's Music Albums

Laura Lee's Hit Songs

See also

In Spanish: Laura Lee para niños