12/05/2025
She wrote from the soul—and left us far too soon.
Laura Nyro wasn’t just a singer-songwriter—she was a force of nature, blending soul, folk, pop, and jazz into music that felt like poetry set to a heartbeat. Born in 1947, her songs were covered by legends like Barbra Streisand, The 5th Dimension, and Blood, Sweat & Tears—yet her own performances shimmered with a raw, emotional brilliance that only she could deliver.
In the early 1970s, during a brief romantic chapter, Jackson Browne toured with her as her opening act. In May 1971, he stepped onto the stage of the Royal Festival Hall in London, performing ahead of her solo set—two artists at the cusp of their legends, sharing one historic night.
But behind the passion and artistry, Laura's life was marked by sorrow. On April 8, 1997, she passed away from ovarian cancer in Danbury, Connecticut. She was only 49—the same age her mother had been when cancer claimed her life as well.
Today, 28 years later, we still feel Laura’s presence in the haunting melodies she left behind. Her songs live on—not just as recordings, but as echoes of a spirit that sang with unmatched honesty and grace. Rest in peace, Laura. Your voice still moves the world.
~Old Photo Club