Laura Nyro (1947-1997) was one of the most fascinating singer-songwriters in pop, and one who determinedly followed her muse more often than many others would dare. Laura Nyro (b. Laura Nigro, Oct. 18, 1947, Bronx, New York) defied categorization. She was an archetypal pop figure to whom others are often compared, though she herself was rarely compared to anyone. In pop terminology, that speaks volumes. (Excerpt from biography written by Dave DiMartino.)

The daughter of an accomplished jazz trumpeter, Nyro was introduced to music at an early age, reputedly completing her first composition when she was only eight years old. Her main influences ranged from Bob Dylan to John Coltrane, but her debut “More Than A New Discovery” (aka “The First Songs”) revealed a talent akin to Brill Building songwriters Carole King and Ellie Greenwich. Nyro's empathy for soul and R&B enhanced her individuality. (Excerpt from Encyclopedia of Popular Music.)

She began playing music as a little girl, read poetry and was exposed to the works of classical composers like Ravel and Debussy by her mother. She attended Manhattan's High School of Music and Art, and listened to a wide range of music, from Dylan to Coltrane, gospel to doo-wop, Burt Bacharach to Smokey Robinson.

She was not only a distinctive songwriter who created her own world in song, she also possessed a deliciously idiosyncratic vocal style, a soulful soprano voice, and a deep feeling for the blues, jazz, soul, gospel and folk music that made up her music. (Excerpt from “Time and Love” by Jim Newsom.)

Laura Nyro is considered by her peers to be one of the most important singer-songwriters of the '60s and '70s. Other artists often made Nyro's songs super hits, but she gave them mystery, with her long dark hair and flowing skirts.

When she died in 1997 from ovarian cancer, a one of a kind star had dimmed. (from Michele Kort, author of "Soul Picnic: the Music and Passion of Laura Nyro.")

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"Lots of people were later compared to Laura Nyro. Nyro herself was never compared to anyone."
- Richard Harrington, The Washington Post
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The first 12 photos were taken from my audience seat at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA on March 14, 1976. The original negatives have been scanned and digitally remastered. The montages were created using Photoshop 7.0. These photos are available for purchase as an 8x10 (the first montage) and as 4x6 (the remaining nine photos). Please contact me if you are a Laura Nyro fan for pricing information.

Please click on the below images to view a larger sized image.

To learn more about Laura Nyro, visit the Authorized Laura Nyro Website at http://www.lauranyro.com/

At the end of my gallery I have included some images of Laura located on the Internet. I gave credit to the photographer or artist when that information was available to me. If anyone knows the photographer or artist of the non-credited images please contact me.