Laura Nyro

American singer-songwriter and pianist born in the Bronx in 1947, known for emotionally intense, jazz/soul/blues-influenced songwriting; critically acclaimed starting in the late 1960s and died of ovarian cancer in 1997.

Nyro's songs were covered successfully by other artists (for example the 5th Dimension, Barbra Streisand, Blood, Sweat & Tears). Reviews and public sources cite her influence on later singer-songwriters including Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Rickie Lee Jones, Fiona Apple, Suzanne Vega and others. Key albums often noted are More Than a New Discovery (debut), Eli and the Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry; live recordings (notably Fillmore East) document her solo piano performances.

DeBaser reviews present Laura Nyro as a singular, piano-led singer-songwriter whose 1960s albums (notably Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, New York Tendaberry and More Than a New Discovery) earned strong critical praise and influenced many later artists. Live recordings highlight her expressive voice and pianism. Commercial success lagged behind peer covers of her songs.

For:Fans of 1960s singer-songwriters, piano-led soul/jazz/folk and those interested in influential but under-recognized artists.