Lynda Laurence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lynda Laurence
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Lynda Laurence in 2024
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lynda Tucker |
| Born | February 20, 1949 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Labels | Motown, Motorcity |
Lynda Laurence (born Lynda Tucker on February 20, 1949) is an American singer. She is known for her powerful voice. Lynda is the youngest daughter of Louise and Ira Tucker, who was a famous gospel songwriter and singer. Her siblings are Sundray Tucker and Ira Tucker Jr.
Lynda Laurence is most famous for being part of two important Motown music groups. She sang backup for Stevie Wonder in his group, The Third Generation. She was also a member of the Supremes from April 1972 to October 1973. With The Supremes, she performed alongside lead singer Jean Terrell and founding member Mary Wilson. She joined the group after Cindy Birdsong left.
Contents
Lynda Laurence's Musical Journey
Starting Out in Music
Lynda Laurence began her singing career with a group called the Pendelles. Her sister, Sundray Tucker, was also in this group. In 1969, Lynda joined Stevie Wonder's group, The Third Generation. This group later became known as Wonderlove.
Lynda's sister, Sundray, who was using the name Cindy Scott at the time, also joined The Third Generation. Lynda, Cindy Scott, and their cousin Terri Hendricks toured with Stevie Wonder. They helped promote his song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". Lynda's backup vocals were a big part of that song.
Singing with The Supremes (1972–1973)
In 1972, Mary Wilson was continuing the legacy of the Supremes. The group had seen changes, with Florence Ballard leaving in 1967 and Diana Ross in 1970. Now, another member, Cindy Birdsong, was leaving because she was expecting a baby.
It was interesting because Cindy Birdsong had replaced Lynda's sister, Sundray Tucker, in an earlier group called the Ordettes. This group later became Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles. So, it was Lynda Laurence, Sundray's sister, who took Cindy Birdsong's place as a backing vocalist in The Supremes. At this time, Jean Terrell was the lead singer of The Supremes.
Lynda joined the group when they released their album Floy Joy. She appeared on the album cover with Jean Terrell and Mary Wilson. However, Cindy Birdsong had sung on the album before she left. Lynda recorded several songs with the group. These included the single "Bad Weather", which was produced by Stevie Wonder. She also recorded on the albums The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb and The Supremes Live! In Japan in 1973.
While with The Supremes at Motown, Lynda Laurence usually sang backup. But she did sing lead vocals in concerts a couple of times. Her first time singing lead with The Supremes was in May 1972 in Hawaii. She filled in for an unwell Jean Terrell and performed with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. She also sang lead at the Copacabana in New York. She even sang a lead part in the group's live version of "Love The One You're With" in 1972.
In 1973, Lynda Laurence was also expecting a child. She left the group and Cindy Birdsong returned. Jean Terrell also left that year and was replaced by Scherrie Payne.
Later Career and Collaborations
In 1975, Lynda Laurence, along with her sister Sundray Tucker and future Supremes member Susaye Greene, sang backup vocals for Stevie Wonder's album Songs in the Key of Life. This album was released in 1976. That same year, Lynda teamed up with Sundray again. They formed a group called The Wilton Place Street Band. Under the guidance of Lynda's husband, Trevor Lawrence, they recorded "Disco Lucy." This song was a new version of the theme tune from the I Love Lucy TV show.
In 2000, Lynda Laurence joined Diana Ross and Scherrie Payne for the Return to Love Tour. This tour was advertised as Diana Ross & the Supremes. However, these three singers had never been members of the group at the same time before. The tour was canceled after only a few performances.
Singing Backup for Other Artists
Lynda Laurence has lent her voice as a studio backing vocalist for many famous artists. Some of them include:
- Stevie Wonder for his Signed, Sealed, and Delivered album in 1970.
- Stevie Wonder again for his Songs in the Key of Life album in 1976.
- Aretha Franklin for her Love All The Hurt Away album in 1981.
- Jean Terrell for her I Had To Fall in Love album in 1978.
- Joe Cocker
- Ringo Starr
- Martha Reeves
Solo Music and Projects
As a solo artist, Lynda Laurence recorded several songs. Some of these were released under the name Norma Lewis in the late 1980s. These songs included "Give Me Back Just A Little Piece Of My Heart" and "Make Your Own Kind Of Music." Lynda was one of several singers who provided vocals for the "Norma Lewis" project.
In 1990 and 1991, Lynda also recorded solo songs for the UK-based Motorcity Records label. One of these was the single "Living With A Married Man." The label closed before Lynda could release a full album. However, these songs have been released on other Motorcity collections. Lynda Laurence was also the first singer to record the song "I Still Believe." This song later became very famous when sung by Brenda K Starr and Mariah Carey.
Former Ladies of the Supremes
In 1986, Lynda Laurence joined Jean Terrell and Scherrie Payne to form a group called the Former Ladies of the Supremes. Lynda once again took the place of Cindy Birdsong in this new group. They have recorded many songs, including "We're Back" in 1987. This song also featured Ali "Ollie" Woodson from The Temptations. They have also remade classic Supremes songs and recorded many new original songs. One of their dance singles was "Sisters United (We’re Taking Control)" in 2006.
The group has a strong fan base. In 2011, they celebrated their 25th anniversary together. In 2017, Lynda Laurence left the group and Susaye Greene joined. However, in 2024, Lynda Laurence returned to the group, replacing Susaye Greene.
Personal Life
Lynda Laurence was married to the saxophonist Trevor Lawrence. They have a son named Trevor Ira Lawrence Jr., who was born in 1974. Their son is also a musician and producer.
Discography Highlights
Lynda Laurence has recorded many songs throughout her career. Here are some of them:
As Norma Lewis
- "Give Me Back Just A Little Piece Of My Heart"
- "Life Is The Reason"
- "Make Your Own Kind Of Music"
Motorcity Records
- "Forever"
- "Living With A Married Man"
- "I'm Not Taking A Chance"
Live Recordings Lynda Laurence also recorded a live jazz performance in Los Angeles. Some of the songs from this performance include:
- "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever"
- "I Wish You Love"
- "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)"
- "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved by You"
