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 famous for being part of two groups from Motown Records. Motown was a very popular record company. Lynda sang backup for Stevie Wonder and was also a member of the Supremes.
Lynda is the youngest daughter of Louise and Ira Tucker. Her father, Ira Tucker, was a gospel songwriter, producer, and singer. Her siblings are Sundray Tucker and Ira Tucker Jr.
Contents
Lynda Laurence's Music Journey
Early Singing Days
Lynda Laurence started her singing career with a group called the Pendelles. Her sister, Sundray Tucker, also sang in this group. Later, in 1969, Lynda joined Stevie Wonder's backup group, The Third Generation. This group was a first version of what later became Wonderlove.
Her sister, Sundray, who was using the name Cindy Scott, also joined The Third Generation. Lynda, Cindy, and their cousin Terri Hendricks toured with Stevie Wonder. They helped promote his song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". Lynda's voice was clearly heard in the background vocals of that song.
Joining The Supremes
In 1972, Lynda Laurence joined the Supremes, a very famous girl group. Mary Wilson wanted to keep the group going after other members left. Cindy Birdsong, another member, was leaving because she was expecting a baby.
It was interesting because Cindy Birdsong had replaced Lynda's sister, Sundray, in an earlier group. Now, Lynda took Cindy's place as a backing vocalist (someone who sings harmony or support). At this time, Jean Terrell was the main 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. She recorded songs with the group, including "Bad Weather", which was produced by Stevie Wonder. She also sang on the albums The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb and The Supremes Live! In Japan.
While with The Supremes, Lynda usually sang backup. But she did sing the main part in concerts a couple of times. One time was in May 1972 in Hawaii, when Jean Terrell was sick. Lynda stepped in to sing with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. She also sang lead at the Copacabana in New York. She even sang a lead part in their live version of "Love The One You're With" in 1972.
In 1973, Lynda and Jean Terrell decided they wanted The Supremes to leave Motown Records. However, Motown owned the group's name. By October, Lynda was also expecting a child. So, Cindy Birdsong returned to take her place. Jean Terrell also left that year, and Scherrie Payne joined the group.
After The Supremes
In 1975, Lynda Laurence, along with her sister Sundray and Susaye Greene, sang backup vocals for Stevie Wonder's album Songs in the Key of Life. This album came out in 1976. That same year, Lynda and Sundray formed a group called The Wilton Place Street Band. They recorded "Disco Lucy," which was a new version of the theme song from the TV show I Love Lucy. Lynda's husband at the time, Trevor Lawrence, led the band.
In 2000, Lynda joined Diana Ross and Scherrie Payne for a tour called Return to Love Tour. It was advertised as Diana Ross & the Supremes. However, these three singers had never been in the group at the same time before. The tour ended early.
Background Singing Work
Lynda Laurence has lent her voice as a background singer for many famous artists. She sang on albums for:
- Stevie Wonder (on Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in 1970 and Songs in the Key of Life in 1976)
- Aretha Franklin (on Love All The Hurt Away in 1981)
- Jean Terrell (on I Had To Fall in Love in 1978)
- Joe Cocker
- Ringo Starr
- Martha Reeves
Solo Music
Lynda Laurence also recorded songs as a solo artist. 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."
In the early 1990s, Lynda recorded several solo songs for a record label in the UK called Motorcity Records. One of her singles was "Living With A Married Man." She 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 new group called the Former Ladies of the Supremes. Lynda again took the place of Cindy Birdsong in this group.
They have recorded many songs, including "We're Back" in 1987. They also made new versions of Supremes songs and many original songs. In 2006, they released a dance song called "Sisters United (We’re Taking Control)." The group has a strong fan base. In 2011, they celebrated their 25th anniversary together. Lynda left the group in 2017 but returned in 2024.
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 (Selected)
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"
