Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan was an American pop singer who became one of the defining voices of early-to-mid 1980s pop with her powerful, wide-ranging vocals. She first gained major attention with «Gloria» in 1982, an English-language adaptation of an Italian song, which became a signature hit and one of the era's most recognizable pop anthems, marked by its driving synth-pop production and Branigan's forceful delivery.

She followed with a string of hits that showcased her range across dramatic ballads and uptempo pop, including «Solitaire» and «How Am I Supposed to Live Without You», the latter becoming a staple of adult contemporary radio and later widely covered by other artists. Her music sat at the intersection of pop, rock, and the emerging electronic production styles of the decade, often built around big, emotive choruses suited to her powerful voice.

Branigan continued recording through the 1980s and into the following decade, with songs like «Ti Amo», «Self Control», and «Power of Love» further cementing her place in the pop landscape of the era. Her death in 2004 was met with tributes recognizing her as one of the standout vocalists of the decade that made her famous, with «Gloria» in particular remaining a lasting touchstone of 1980s pop.