I've been a Laura Nyro fan for over 50 years, so thank you. When young people tell me what a great songwriter Taylor Swift is, I can only laugh. We were so lucky back then, to have really talented people to inspire us. To think that she wrote "And When I Die" when she was only 17. Lovely version of that song here.
A favorite story about her, from a RUclips comment under a posted concert of hers from the seventies: the poster said he waited and ambushed her by the bus after a show, telling her, with emotion, how much he had wanted to meet her: "I've waited for ten years for this moment". Laura Nero smiled and said "So have I, and here we are!"
My hero Todd Rundgren's early solo albums were heavily influenced by Laura. “Baby Let’s Swing/The Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands" not only sounds like her but also references her. He eventually helped her produce her last album before her death, "Mother's Spiritual". (Check out the Todd interview on RUclips: "Todd Rundgren on Working with Laura Nyro | Red Bull Music Academy".) Laura was so special and a constant inspiration to me. I think the first song of her's that I heard was "Blackpatch" from a Columbia loss-leader compilation album called "Different Strokes". She was truly one of a kind. Thanks for the wonderful retrospective, Aimee!
I can't believe you found Laura on that Columbia compilation, just as I did. The song was/is "Blackpatch" and from the moment I heard it, I was a Laura zealot. I'm still spreading the word about her 51 years since hearing "Blackpatch" on that LP. I was fortunate enough to see her in concert three times. Thank you for providing me with a magical memory from 1973.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! I was introduced to Nyro in 1968 with the release of "Eli and the 13 Confessions". The fact that she is almost forgotten today is heartbreaking. She was as fine a songwriter as was working at the time. Her material still holds up all these years later, as you so ably demonstrated. (Elton John said "Burn Down the Mission" was his attempt at emulating Nyro.) What a genius she was! Perhaps if she had lived longer, she would be receiving similar recognition to Joni Mitchell, another overlooked giant, whose Gershwin Prize was long overdue. Again, thank you so very much for this heartfelt analysis and tribute.
Laura Nyro is sooo many songwriter's secret weapon - they keep her a secret, so they can draw from her without people realising. Elton John and Todd Rundgren are amongst the few to admit it. She needs to be recognised as one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever - what an explosive, creative talent.
Great comment. I encourage everyone to check out Todd's first solo album recorded soon after he left the Nazz. It was like he found a way to inhabit the essence of Laura's songwriting genius. I'm a big fan of his and that record is in my top 5 evaluation of his catalog.
Great to see Laura get some well deserved recognition. I always thought she left us sooner. The jazz influences in Stoned Soul Picnic are what make it wonderful. My appreciation of Laura is much deeper thanks to your analysis
Thank you for highlighting Laura Nero, one of my all-time favorite songwriters. She was unique. In addition to the usual gospel and R&B influences, she brought show music into the picture. She was soulful as hell. I was fortunate to see her live-a great experience.
Thank you for the Billy Childs take on "And when I die". Amazing. It's hard to believe how young Laura Nyro was when she wrote these sophisticated songs. I read that she played an early version of Eli’s Coming in Jr High.
Ok, I read that she performed an early version of the song in Jr High music class to prove to the teacher that rock and roll "wasn't junk". It would make sense that she had some original songs worked up before age 18 because she signed with Artie Mogull as a minor.
Todd wanted to produce a comeback album for her but when they met they didn't hit it off. Also her nails were so long at the time she couldn't really play piano.
Incorrect information. 1.Her nails Never stopped her from playing. 2. She liked him but not Romantically. He had a crush on her but she wanted a professional music relationship not sexual. 3. Their meeting was early in her career and was not. looking for a comeback album. Many years later in the '90's he helped her with an album called Mother's Spiritual.
I was introduced to her in the 90s when a short-lived but influential Swedish music magazine reviewed her final album. It was the only album they ever chose not to give a rating, because they felt it would be undignified to judge the last work of an artist who knew she was nearing the end. I picked up the CD, dove into her back catalog, and she's been with me ever since.
I love these popular music history lessons. They are helping me (b.1951) to "connect the dots" of the soundtrack of my younger life. Such a blessing. Thank you.
I love your enthusiasm and respect for Laura Nyro! Thank you for sharing her songs with us. To me Laura had her own unique musical and poetic language that was solely her own. It was great hearing others record her songs because they were heard by a wider audience, but when Laura sang them herself, her beautiful soul and soulfulness informed each song in a way that was hers alone. I always marveled at her vocal overdubs on songs like Eli and Stoned Soul Picnic. . So much more I could say about Laura. She was one of a kind. Much gratitude to you.
I was also born in 1947 and grew up in New York singing Harmonyon street corners. One day I heard " Stone soul picnic which completely blew my mind. She was the inspiration for my limited but fun endeavor as a singer-songwriter pianist. Eli's coming has got to be my favorite album of all time. Well done and thanks for what you've done here!
I saw the title and hit the like button immediately on principle, although, to be fair, the rest of the video supported my decision. So glad you chose Wedding Bell Blues as your first analysis. Her own renditions are neglected to the listener's peril. Eli's Comin', Sweet Blindness, for two examples.
@36058 Saw her in concert at CW Post college 1970. No nonsense performance. She came out and performed with piano for approximately one hour. Never addressed the audience. Did not do an encore. Just magnificent. In a class all by herself. One of the great songwriters, and performers of the era. Thank you for this recognition. You're also pretty great yourself .
My older sister used to play her records on a little record player back in the late 60's. I remember the music coming out of her bedroom and thinking it was cool. I was 9 years old. I then rediscovered her again 5 years ago. A very sensitive, talented songwriter. People who don't know about her are missing out on a wonderful experience. Thanks for highlighting Laura.
So happy to hear you mention Billy Child’s’ take on Nyro’s music. I remember driving through L.A. with the car windows open, blasting Map to the Treasure hoping everyone would hear this amazing music.
Thanks Aimee, I loved this film. Your enthusiasm is contagious and based on your recommendation, I've ordered Stoned Soul Picnic: The Best Of Laura Nyro which is 2 CDs with 34 tracks in total, very good value. I do remember Laura when I was young but didn't pay her much attention, I was a big Joni Mitchell fan. I thought your singing of Laura's songs was excellent and your voice seemed to fit perfectly.
I loved this so much. I was just recently turned on to Laura Nyro by Narada Michael Walden, and I was really moved when I listened with intention to some of her songs. Now I'm really hooked!
Everything I know about LN is on Christmas and the Beads of Sweat. Don’t have any idea why I never listened to any of the rest, but I have loved her at least 50 years. Once again Aimee, thank you so much for waking me up.
You must listen to Eli & the 13th Confession and New York Tendaberry. They are her masterpieces! Also Gonna Take a Miracle, an album of girl group covers with Patti LaBelle is so soulful. Especially, "The Bells."
Nice and great remembrance of Laura Nyro. Thank you. She got credit back in her day and was highly regarded, liked and loved. But I think you're right that later generations never had much interest.
I'm old enough to remember Nyro's songs being played in cover versions on the radio, but I wasn't old enough to be part of the record-buying public until she was out of the limelight. When _Rolling Stone Magazine_ put out their latest "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, there was a Nyro album on there. I remembered hearing the name when I was young, but it didn't really mean anything to me. I checked it out, and I thought that for once, a new album had entered that list because it actually deserved to be there. I just wonder why she wasn't on the first two versions of that list.
@@JRBWare1942 That level of raw heart neither seeks, compromises, wants, nor ever attains full mainstream acceptance. That talent can't fake it if it wanted to. It's too busy on the requirements of the craft, singing, playing, writing, practicing, performing and it doesn't end there. It has to feel and understand the truth while being constantly bombarded by the din along with everyone else. Likewise, those who hear and feel her are similarly a small subset of the population. There is no need to lament this. She was there then, she is here now. Time is a good test of art. Maybe the best test. Aimee got it right.
She got to me when I was 17 and she's in a class by herself. She had the skills of Gershwin and Billy Strayhorn as a composer. Her talent level is off the charts. "Mercy On Broadway" might be my favorite song but the competition is stiff with her other songs. There are so many.
Aimee, Wonderful that you are promoting Laura Nyro and her music. I do love love love Billy Child's interpretation.... so moving. Your singing too... you had me at E Flat going to the F. You're right "Save the Country" just feels so now. Keep on doing your thing, it's great!
Thank you so much Aimee. That is so informative and well sung and played. Hopefully it will spread awareness to what a great singer songwriter Laura was.
I've loved Laura Nyro since I was a teenager and VH1 had a big re-release of Monterey Pop for its 30th anniversary (not long after she passed away). It was Poverty Train that got me hooked. Then realizing how many of her songs were hits for all these other huge groups, just astonishing. And she was so young! Wish I could like this video more than once.
Beautiful video, Amy. I found Laura only in 2015 after beginning my music life in 1966 with Georgy Girl. After 2 days of listening, she became my lifelong favourite, putting Jimi Hendrix back to 2nd place. A few days ago, a Laura Nyro 19 CD box set was announced with book with contributions by Elton John and others. It follows the vinyl box set released about 5 years ago.
Thank you for drawing attention to this great songwriter and performer. I fear that she may be neglected with the passage of time. But, she deserves her very own chapter in the Great American Songbook.
Marvelous! This was like stepping back in time to when all I had was an AM transistor radio. The technical music nuances and your commentary were an added bonus. Now off to listen to Billy Childs and to explore your own music. Thanks for the effort that went into this.
50 years ago I was still in high school. At the time I didn't realize how fortunate I was to be playing bass in band of such incredibly talented people. Stony End brought down the house and we rocked the hell out of it. It brings me straight back to a sliver in time full of power and joy. Chris, Joe, Paula, Mike I miss you so much! AIMEE NOLTE you are very special.
I also remember reading that for New York Tendaberry album she asked Miles Davis to play on it, to add some stuff after the tunes were recorded. Mikes listened to the tracks and said something to the effect that she had already played everything that needed to be played. If I remember he said she already played whatever he would add. I think that record of hers is one of my favorite records of all time.
Aimee, thanks for posting this; I can’t like it enough! Janis Ian, who attended Manhattan’s High School of Music Art, remembered Laura as a classmate there. In the late Michele Kort’s book, “Soul Picnic,” the author quotes Janis Ian as saying something to the effect that Laura steadfastly rebelled against learning formal music theory in school. She didn’t want academic study to interfere with her creative process. This had to have limited her facility with the language that musicians use to verbally communicate with each other. This likely stemmed from the fact that Laura had synesthesia and saw music in colors. There is a story about Laura, during the recording of the “Eli” album, telling the studio musicians that she wanted “more yellow!” Charlie Calello would then translate this into terms that the musicians could understand. If you want to do a deep dive into Laura Nyro’s life and music, I would highly recommend Michele Kort’s book entitled “Soul Picnic: The Music and Passion of Laura Nyro.” It probably says something more about the state of women’s healthcare in our country that Laura’s partner, Maria Desiderio, died from ovarian cancer just two years after Laura. And Ms. Kort herself also later died of ovarian cancer.
Thanks for including in your post news of Ms. Kort's passing of which I was unaware. She was a pivotal figure in advancing awareness of LN and creating greater community among LN's "tribe."
Thank you for making this video! About 10 or so years ago I was discovering all the songs and it was blowing my mind. She also doesn’t care about tempo lol
Wow. You v did such a great job on this. Thank you so much for sharing. It's so amazing how you can switch between talking in detail and singing so well and jumpinn in playing.. all so easily. You are a force!
Also, another overlooked gem: one of Laura’s final recordings - a 1994 cover of “La-La (Means I Love You)” with The Manhattan Transfer on their album Tonin’. So much soul; not to be missed! 👍
Second time through this. Brought my wife along this time. She surprised herself knowing the words to all those songs without knowing they all came from Laura Nyro. Such a beautiful time spent with Aimee! Thank you!
Can't believe you are playing Stone Soul Picnic and Save the Country. I never knew where they came from. THIS is awesome from you my beloved friend. I loved the Fifth Dimension when I was young and my mother feared if I listened to them I would marry a black person. She told me so. Well, I married a man, so there.
Another huge influencee is Todd Rundgren who more-or-less re-invented himself as a wannabe Nyro in the late 60s, thus alienating his bandmates in The Nazz and springboarding his solo career some of which simply drips Laura Nyro's vibe. As for her songs, "Crazy Love" is the one that knocks me out for not only the words and her vocal performance, but the piano part. Immense.
Save the Country was written in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and the Vietnam War, and references the Kennedy's as well. The lyric is written in the vernacular of MLK's great speeches. She was utterly brilliant.
There are moments like Timer, Gibsom Street, and New York Tenderberry where she merges pop song and art song. I love her. Look for Todd Rundgren's ode to her ---'Baby, Let's Swing".
11:06 A surrey is indeed a carriage, but I've never heard the word used as a verb before. "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" is a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's _Oklahoma!._ It was covered by both Miles Davis and Ahmad Jamal.
Laura was inspired by the early Goffin/King records, and Carole was in turn inspired by Laura to go solo, first with her band The City. (Listen to "Now That Everything's Been Said" and it's quite apparent. Very cool!)
Bravo! You hit on some of her greatest songs and you isolated those incredible parts of Stoned Soul Picnic. Regarding discussing music, I read she noted listening to great jazz minds growing up and she frustrated people in the studio by referring to colors and moods more than technical concepts.
Significantly Laura is one of the only popular musicians of her time that Joni Mitchell spoke of with respect and as a peer. I think Joni saw Laura as a true artist and was impressed by Laura walking away from fame and the star machinery.
Laura may be relatively obscure with music fans, but her fans and artists she has influenced within the industry is bewildering not only because of the numbers, but across almost all genres: Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Schwartz, X (punk), indie pop (Tennis), indie rock ( The Triffids, Australia), Peter Buck (REM), Paul Stanley (KISS), Bob Dylan, and it goes on and on. I know of 7 tribute songs for Laura by other artists, the most recent bein Mean Streets by Tennis, who also in their hit from a few years ago 'Runner', references 3 Laura songs. Olivia Rodrigo 's mega hit Drivers Licence I believe is based on Laura's YouDont Love Me When I Cry (1969), co written by Olivias producer Dan Nigro. Of course, Laura was David Geffen's first artist under management and he considered her the greatest artist on the planet. Laura features heavily in the documentary Inventing David Geffen. In November 1969, covers of 3 Laura songs were at 1, 2 and 10 on Billboard.
I discovered Laura when I bought stoned soul picnic by the 5 th dimension1968) her name is on the record as the writer, after that I went to every record store trying to find any of her records, back in those days it was difficult to find out anything about an artist who was not top ten Artist
Hi Aimee. Have you ever thought about analyzing the music of Frank Zappa? I know he may seem a bit esoteric, but he spent his entire career as an underdog who managed to create a very respectable body of work existing entirely outside the mainstream. Many devoted fans and music historians see him as a 20th century composer who had a singular voice as an artist and more incredibly…was entirely self taught! He also had many of his works performed by orchestras and high level musicians throughout his career. If this is of interest, please check out stuff like ‘Inca Roads’, ‘Village Of The Sun’, ‘Be-Bop Tango’ or virtually anything from the ‘Roxy and Elsewhere’ album where he was at his peak imo.
Eye-opener. Reminds me of Randy Newman’s approach to songwriting. Although he’s more into New Orleans and humor. Didn’t realise that And When I Die was hers. B, S & T was a great band. I had discarded her as just another saccharine singer/songwriter. So thank you for educating me. Of course I watched this on Nebula😎 ✌✌
Thank you for an amazing and thoughtful video. I've watched this video many times and it never grows old. I knew these songs but never associated them with the originator. Caught her induction to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame on YT and it brought tears to Bette Midler. Your video inspired me to learn more theory and hear your full lessons so just signed up with Nebula. Thank u!
A wonderfull feelgood song, with a tinge of melancholy. I remember it well from the 60s and covered by others. It's a shame she never got the fame or credit and died a sad death at a relatively young age. Tremendously talented with a Jazz slant to many of her songs. RIP Dear Laura.
Aimee, with key changes as appropriate, i think your voice is just perfect for Laura Nyro’s songs. Her writing and especially her piano playing remind me so much of Carole King. But Carole’s music was more “feel good,” whereas Laura was a little deeper and more troubled.
My older sister had the Eli album, and its perfumed lyric sheet knocked me out. It's one of those albums that get down deep and you don't ever escape. Aimee says something around 22:00 that made me wonder, well, if I loved Laura Nyro so much, how come I didn't spend the intervening years listening to her relentlessly? It's almost like a deeply spiritual experience or your memories of early Beatles songs: they're there, right where you need them, and not dependent on listening to them.
I completely agree with you Aimee! I used to sing with all her albums and was lucky to see her 2 times in concert. She was a tortured woman who played the piano beautifully and her voice , writing and lyrics were original and incredibly soulful! I love that you are singing her in concert and making these videos. I also was obsessed with the incredibly talented Joni Mitchell............ growing up with all her records. People, until more recently, basically forgot about her????????? WOW! until Brandy Carlyle be-friended her and started singing her tunes. Now people are covering as well as discovering Joni and her amazing talent!!!
I've been a Laura Nyro fan for over 50 years, so thank you. When young people tell me what a great songwriter Taylor Swift is, I can only laugh. We were so lucky back then, to have really talented people to inspire us. To think that she wrote "And When I Die" when she was only 17. Lovely version of that song here.
Nyro was one of the greatest songwriters. The 5th Dimension McCoo really brought her music to fruition. I grew up in the late 60s.
A favorite story about her, from a RUclips comment under a posted concert of hers from the seventies: the poster said he waited and ambushed her by the bus after a show, telling her, with emotion, how much he had wanted to meet her: "I've waited for ten years for this moment". Laura Nero smiled and said "So have I, and here we are!"
Thanks, Aimee. It's wonderful to see/hear Nyro's work honored so beautifully. (And your voice sounds great, as always!)
My hero Todd Rundgren's early solo albums were heavily influenced by Laura. “Baby Let’s Swing/The Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands" not only sounds like her but also references her. He eventually helped her produce her last album before her death, "Mother's Spiritual". (Check out the Todd interview on RUclips: "Todd Rundgren on Working with Laura Nyro | Red Bull Music Academy".) Laura was so special and a constant inspiration to me. I think the first song of her's that I heard was "Blackpatch" from a Columbia loss-leader compilation album called "Different Strokes". She was truly one of a kind. Thanks for the wonderful retrospective, Aimee!
I can't believe you found Laura on that Columbia compilation, just as I did. The song was/is "Blackpatch" and from the moment I heard it, I was a Laura zealot. I'm still spreading the word about her 51 years since hearing "Blackpatch" on that LP. I was fortunate enough to see her in concert three times. Thank you for providing me with a magical memory from 1973.
_Walk the Dog and Light the Light_ was actually her last album.
@@iantuition Good call. I forgot about that one!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! I was introduced to Nyro in 1968 with the release of "Eli and the 13 Confessions". The fact that she is almost forgotten today is heartbreaking. She was as fine a songwriter as was working at the time. Her material still holds up all these years later, as you so ably demonstrated. (Elton John said "Burn Down the Mission" was his attempt at emulating Nyro.) What a genius she was! Perhaps if she had lived longer, she would be receiving similar recognition to Joni Mitchell, another overlooked giant, whose Gershwin Prize was long overdue.
Again, thank you so very much for this heartfelt analysis and tribute.
I discovered Laura Nyro back in 1970. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks so much for the Billy Childs reference! i can't tell you how emotional your deep dive is for me. Here's hoping for a Laura Revival!
Laura Nyro is sooo many songwriter's secret weapon - they keep her a secret, so they can draw from her without people realising. Elton John and Todd Rundgren are amongst the few to admit it. She needs to be recognised as one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever - what an explosive, creative talent.
Great comment. I encourage everyone to check out Todd's first solo album recorded soon after he left the Nazz. It was like he found a way to inhabit the essence of Laura's songwriting genius. I'm a big fan of his and that record is in my top 5 evaluation of his catalog.
Yes, She was an influence to Todd Rundgren very early on before he even sang very much. He later started production of one of her albums
Great to see Laura get some well deserved recognition. I always thought she left us sooner. The jazz influences in Stoned Soul Picnic are what make it wonderful. My appreciation of Laura is much deeper thanks to your analysis
Thank you for highlighting Laura Nero, one of my all-time favorite songwriters. She was unique. In addition to the usual gospel and R&B influences, she brought show music into the picture. She was soulful as hell. I was fortunate to see her live-a great experience.
Thank you for the Billy Childs take on "And when I die". Amazing. It's hard to believe how young Laura Nyro was when she wrote these sophisticated songs. I read that she played an early version of Eli’s Coming in Jr High.
Actually she was a little older. Probably between 18-21. Still brilliant, amazing, and precocious!
Ok, I read that she performed an early version of the song in Jr High music class to prove to the teacher that rock and roll "wasn't junk". It would make sense that she had some original songs worked up before age 18 because she signed with Artie Mogull as a minor.
Todd Rundgren credits Laura for his piano style. 19:25
Todd wanted to produce a comeback album for her but when they met they didn't hit it off. Also her nails were so long at the time she couldn't really play piano.
You can definitely hear the influence in his ballads.
@@nodrog567Not just his ballads- his entire chordal language of consonant bitonalism!
Incorrect information.
1.Her nails Never stopped her from playing.
2. She liked him but not Romantically. He had a crush on her but she wanted a professional music relationship not sexual.
3. Their meeting was early in her career and was not. looking for a comeback album. Many years later in the '90's he helped her with an album called Mother's Spiritual.
My mother had played Nyro albums throughout my childhood. These songs are ingrained in my soul. Thanks for the reminder, beautiful playing and voice!
I’ve always thought of the “two young brothers” as Jack and Bobby Kennedy.
*SUPER DESERVED TRIBUTE* Laura Nyro (Laura Nigro)
The Bronx NYC
I like your icon.
I was introduced to her in the 90s when a short-lived but influential Swedish music magazine reviewed her final album. It was the only album they ever chose not to give a rating, because they felt it would be undignified to judge the last work of an artist who knew she was nearing the end. I picked up the CD, dove into her back catalog, and she's been with me ever since.
Laura Nyro's songs were a part of my growing up. Thanks for reminding me of her and happy Thanksgivings Day (Canada)
I Never Meant to Hurt You can bring me to tears even today!
I love these popular music history lessons. They are helping me (b.1951) to "connect the dots" of the soundtrack of my younger life. Such a blessing. Thank you.
Great to see you discovering Laura Nyro...to hear her songs back in the day....a tremendous talent songwriter and awesome jazz singer...
The only singer who moves me emotionally every time I hear her.
I love your enthusiasm and respect for Laura Nyro! Thank you for sharing her songs with us. To me Laura had her own unique musical and poetic language that was solely her own. It was great hearing others record her songs because they were heard by a wider audience, but when Laura sang them herself, her beautiful soul and soulfulness informed each song in a way that was hers alone. I always marveled at her vocal overdubs on songs like Eli and Stoned Soul Picnic. . So much more I could say about Laura. She was one of a kind. Much gratitude to you.
I was also born in 1947 and grew up in New York singing Harmonyon street corners. One day I heard " Stone soul picnic which completely blew my mind. She was the inspiration for my limited but fun endeavor as a singer-songwriter pianist. Eli's coming has got to be my favorite album of all time. Well done and thanks for what you've done here!
Thanks Aimee. Long time follower and lover of jazz standards. But this is just wonderful.
I saw the title and hit the like button immediately on principle, although, to be fair, the rest of the video supported my decision.
So glad you chose Wedding Bell Blues as your first analysis. Her own renditions are neglected to the listener's peril. Eli's Comin', Sweet Blindness, for two examples.
@36058
Saw her in concert at CW Post college 1970. No nonsense performance. She came out and performed with piano for approximately one hour. Never addressed the audience. Did not do an encore. Just magnificent. In a class all by herself. One of the great songwriters, and performers of the era. Thank you for this recognition. You're also pretty great yourself .
She performed at CW Post in CT.? WOW. That's incredible! I never knew that. She was Amazing! Wish I could have been there! 😥
CW Post on Long Island. She also performed at several other Long Island colleges around that time including Suffolk Community and Stony Brook.
Aimee, thanks for showcasing this great artist. It gave me what many would refer to as the gold standard in songwriting, to study.
My older sister used to play her records on a little record player back in the late 60's. I remember the music coming out of her bedroom and thinking it was cool. I was 9 years old. I then rediscovered her again 5 years ago. A very sensitive, talented songwriter. People who don't know about her are missing out on a wonderful experience. Thanks for highlighting Laura.
So happy to hear you mention Billy Child’s’ take on Nyro’s music. I remember driving through L.A. with the car windows open, blasting Map to the Treasure hoping everyone would hear this amazing music.
Thanks Aimee, I loved this film. Your enthusiasm is contagious and based on your recommendation, I've ordered
Stoned Soul Picnic: The Best Of Laura Nyro which is 2 CDs with 34 tracks in total, very good value. I do remember Laura when I was young but didn't pay her much attention, I was a big Joni Mitchell fan. I thought your singing of Laura's songs was excellent and your voice seemed to fit perfectly.
Was lucky to see her 1972(LABELLE) and 1976 here in Detroit
I am so glad you found Laura and that you made this video. I’m going to hop on over to Nebula now. Thanks, Aimee.
I loved this so much. I was just recently turned on to Laura Nyro by Narada Michael Walden, and I was really moved when I listened with intention to some of her songs. Now I'm really hooked!
Nyro always deserved more props. Nice post, Aimee.
Everything I know about LN is on Christmas and the Beads of Sweat. Don’t have any idea why I never listened to any of the rest, but I have loved her at least 50 years. Once again Aimee, thank you so much for waking me up.
You must listen to Eli & the 13th Confession and New York Tendaberry. They are her masterpieces! Also Gonna Take a Miracle, an album of girl group covers with Patti LaBelle is so soulful. Especially, "The Bells."
Nice and great remembrance of Laura Nyro. Thank you. She got credit back in her day and was highly regarded, liked and loved. But I think you're right that later generations never had much interest.
I'm old enough to remember Nyro's songs being played in cover versions on the radio, but I wasn't old enough to be part of the record-buying public until she was out of the limelight.
When _Rolling Stone Magazine_ put out their latest "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, there was a Nyro album on there. I remembered hearing the name when I was young, but it didn't really mean anything to me. I checked it out, and I thought that for once, a new album had entered that list because it actually deserved to be there. I just wonder why she wasn't on the first two versions of that list.
@@JRBWare1942 That level of raw heart neither seeks, compromises, wants, nor ever attains full mainstream acceptance. That talent can't fake it if it wanted to. It's too busy on the requirements of the craft, singing, playing, writing, practicing, performing and it doesn't end there. It has to feel and understand the truth while being constantly bombarded by the din along with everyone else.
Likewise, those who hear and feel her are similarly a small subset of the population.
There is no need to lament this. She was there then, she is here now. Time is a good test of art. Maybe the best test.
Aimee got it right.
She got to me when I was 17 and she's in a class by herself. She had the skills of Gershwin and Billy Strayhorn as a composer. Her talent level is off the charts. "Mercy On Broadway" might be my favorite song but the competition is stiff with her other songs. There are so many.
Stone Soul Picnic..cool changes and vibe. I can't imagine having these modulations in a song today. So nice to hear some harmony!
I adore Laura Nyro's cover of Carole King's Up on the Roof. The best version ever.
Aimee, Wonderful that you are promoting Laura Nyro and her music. I do love love love Billy Child's interpretation.... so moving. Your singing too... you had me at E Flat going to the F. You're right "Save the Country" just feels so now. Keep on doing your thing, it's great!
Love these videos, Aimee, a reintroduction to someone I've heard of but don't really know.
Thank you so much Aimee. That is so informative and well sung and played. Hopefully it will spread awareness to what a great singer songwriter Laura was.
Wonderful Aimee you have a beautiful voice.
Laura’s album with Labelle is a great favourite of mine
You caught the Laura Nyro groove just right, Aimee. Fascinating to hear you explain the changes. Takes me right back to the times and how it felt.
I've loved Laura Nyro since I was a teenager and VH1 had a big re-release of Monterey Pop for its 30th anniversary (not long after she passed away). It was Poverty Train that got me hooked. Then realizing how many of her songs were hits for all these other huge groups, just astonishing. And she was so young! Wish I could like this video more than once.
What a great tribute you give to Laura. Music that cuts to the soul, Stoney End so good😊
Beautiful video, Amy. I found Laura only in 2015 after beginning my music life in 1966 with Georgy Girl. After 2 days of listening, she became my lifelong favourite, putting Jimi Hendrix back to 2nd place. A few days ago, a Laura Nyro 19 CD box set was announced with book with contributions by Elton John and others. It follows the vinyl box set released about 5 years ago.
Elton John has said his piano style and writing were greatly influenced by Laura Nyro.
@@JazzGal-i6i Yep.
Its about time Laura and her incredible talent are showcased. I love and admire her more than Carole King and Joni Mitchell.
Thank you for drawing attention to this great songwriter and performer. I fear that she may be neglected with the passage of time. But, she deserves her very own chapter in the Great American Songbook.
Laura Nyro wrote some GREAT songs. My personal favorites are Stoney End, and And When I die.
Marvelous! This was like stepping back in time to when all I had was an AM transistor radio. The technical music nuances and your commentary were an added bonus. Now off to listen to Billy Childs and to explore your own music. Thanks for the effort that went into this.
Is there a Billy Childs specific recording?
Thanks, Aimee. I have been appreciating your content and choices. Thanks for sharing it. 😊
Always wonderful to hear your insights.
50 years ago I was still in high school. At the time I didn't realize how fortunate I was to be playing bass in band of such incredibly talented people. Stony End brought down the house and we rocked the hell out of it. It brings me straight back to a sliver in time full of power and joy. Chris, Joe, Paula, Mike I miss you so much!
AIMEE NOLTE you are very special.
Laura Nyro was top notch. Amazing songwriter and beautifully unique vocal style.
I also remember reading that for New York Tendaberry album she asked Miles Davis to play on it, to add some stuff after the tunes were recorded. Mikes listened to the tracks and said something to the effect that she had already played everything that needed to be played. If I remember he said she already played whatever he would add. I think that record of hers is one of my favorite records of all time.
Love Laura Nyro. Saw her at the Santa Barbara Bowl in the 70's. Untimely passing.
Very cool to see you excited about Laura Nyro.
Aimee, thanks for posting this; I can’t like it enough! Janis Ian, who attended Manhattan’s High School of Music Art, remembered Laura as a classmate there. In the late Michele Kort’s book, “Soul Picnic,” the author quotes Janis Ian as saying something to the effect that Laura steadfastly rebelled against learning formal music theory in school. She didn’t want academic study to interfere with her creative process. This had to have limited her facility with the language that musicians use to verbally communicate with each other.
This likely stemmed from the fact that Laura had synesthesia and saw music in colors. There is a story about Laura, during the recording of the “Eli” album, telling the studio musicians that she wanted “more yellow!” Charlie Calello would then translate this into terms that the musicians could understand.
If you want to do a deep dive into Laura Nyro’s life and music, I would highly recommend Michele Kort’s book entitled “Soul Picnic: The Music and Passion of Laura Nyro.”
It probably says something more about the state of women’s healthcare in our country that Laura’s partner, Maria Desiderio, died from ovarian cancer just two years after Laura. And Ms. Kort herself also later died of ovarian cancer.
Thanks for including in your post news of Ms. Kort's passing of which I was unaware. She was a pivotal figure in advancing awareness of LN and creating greater community among LN's "tribe."
I can hear in Rickie Lee Jones early albums the influence of the genius of Lauro Nyro.
Thank you for making this video! About 10 or so years ago I was discovering all the songs and it was blowing my mind. She also doesn’t care about tempo lol
Wow. You v did such a great job on this. Thank you so much for sharing. It's so amazing how you can switch between talking in detail and singing so well and jumpinn in playing.. all so easily. You are a force!
So nice of you. Thank you.
Exactly. Great talent.
"Gipson Street" and "Upstairs By The Chinese Lamp" knock me out cold.
Gibsom. Street.
Also, another overlooked gem: one of Laura’s final recordings - a 1994 cover of “La-La (Means I Love You)” with The Manhattan Transfer on their album Tonin’. So much soul; not to be missed! 👍
Aimee, if you don’t already know it, check out Laura’s song “Timer” - she employs metric modulation to describe time as a friend and adversary.
Second time through this. Brought my wife along this time. She surprised herself knowing the words to all those songs without knowing they all came from Laura Nyro. Such a beautiful time spent with Aimee! Thank you!
That is awesome!
Can't believe you are playing Stone Soul Picnic and Save the Country. I never knew where they came from. THIS is awesome from you my beloved friend. I loved the Fifth Dimension when I was young and my mother feared if I listened to them I would marry a black person. She told me so. Well, I married a man, so there.
AND a white woman had so much soul. I'd love to know the story. :Love you Aimee and your family.
😂
Another huge influencee is Todd Rundgren who more-or-less re-invented himself as a wannabe Nyro in the late 60s, thus alienating his bandmates in The Nazz and springboarding his solo career some of which simply drips Laura Nyro's vibe.
As for her songs, "Crazy Love" is the one that knocks me out for not only the words and her vocal performance, but the piano part. Immense.
Save the Country was written in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and the Vietnam War, and references the Kennedy's as well. The lyric is written in the vernacular of MLK's great speeches. She was utterly brilliant.
Been listening to Laura's music from her beginning. I play guitar and have learned so much from you. Thank you. Like your voice up there.
When I was a teenager I bought 2 Laura Nyro albums. I always thought she should have been better known.
There are moments like Timer, Gibsom Street, and New York Tenderberry where she merges pop song and art song. I love her. Look for Todd Rundgren's ode to her ---'Baby, Let's Swing".
11:06 A surrey is indeed a carriage, but I've never heard the word used as a verb before.
"The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" is a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's _Oklahoma!._ It was covered by both Miles Davis and Ahmad Jamal.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing Laura Nyro forward to new listeners who may not have discovered her. ❤
The way you played Stoned Soul Picnic made me think of Carol King.
Check out Laura's stunningly beautiful cover of "Up On The Roof"...
@@SurferJoe1 Just wow!
Laura was inspired by the early Goffin/King records, and Carole was in turn inspired by Laura to go solo, first with her band The City. (Listen to "Now That Everything's Been Said" and it's quite apparent. Very cool!)
Great video!
Bravo! You hit on some of her greatest songs and you isolated those incredible parts of Stoned Soul Picnic. Regarding discussing music, I read she noted listening to great jazz minds growing up and she frustrated people in the studio by referring to colors and moods more than technical concepts.
She also changed tempos a lot within her songs
Significantly Laura is one of the only popular musicians of her time that Joni Mitchell spoke of with respect and as a peer. I think Joni saw Laura as a true artist and was impressed by Laura walking away from fame and the star machinery.
Good on you Amy.
Thanks for this. I've known the name forever, but I learned a lot here. I completely missed that she wrote "And When I die".
Thanks Aimee. Love your work and your voice. What a fabulous tribute.
Laura may be relatively obscure with music fans, but her fans and artists she has influenced within the industry is bewildering not only because of the numbers, but across almost all genres: Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Schwartz, X (punk), indie pop (Tennis), indie rock ( The Triffids, Australia), Peter Buck (REM), Paul Stanley (KISS), Bob Dylan, and it goes on and on. I know of 7 tribute songs for Laura by other artists, the most recent bein Mean Streets by Tennis, who also in their hit from a few years ago 'Runner', references 3 Laura songs. Olivia Rodrigo 's mega hit Drivers Licence I believe is based on Laura's YouDont Love Me When I Cry (1969), co written by Olivias producer Dan Nigro. Of course, Laura was David Geffen's first artist under management and he considered her the greatest artist on the planet. Laura features heavily in the documentary Inventing David Geffen. In November 1969, covers of 3 Laura songs were at 1, 2 and 10 on Billboard.
Thanks Aimee, I love you too.
I discovered Laura when I bought stoned soul picnic by the 5 th dimension1968) her name is on the record as the writer, after that I went to every record store trying to find any of her records, back in those days it was difficult to find out anything about an artist who was not top ten Artist
Yes! Her ‘First Songs’ collection is as good a debut as I’ve ever heard…
LOVE that whole album!
Excellent video! Kudos to a job well done!🎉
Saw this on Nebula, I love your passion when playing and speaking to us! Also Laura Nyro mentioned❤!
Thank you!
She’s a Woman of the World!
Hi Aimee. Have you ever thought about analyzing the music of Frank Zappa? I know he may seem a bit esoteric, but he spent his entire career as an underdog who managed to create a very respectable body of work existing entirely outside the mainstream. Many devoted fans and music historians see him as a 20th century composer who had a singular voice as an artist and more incredibly…was entirely self taught! He also had many of his works performed by orchestras and high level musicians throughout his career. If this is of interest, please check out stuff like ‘Inca Roads’, ‘Village Of The Sun’, ‘Be-Bop Tango’ or virtually anything from the ‘Roxy and Elsewhere’ album where he was at his peak imo.
You should check out Beads of Sweat and I am the Blues, a couple of her best.
If I could only give more than one like. Laura Nyro!!
Eye-opener.
Reminds me of Randy Newman’s approach to songwriting.
Although he’s more into New Orleans and humor.
Didn’t realise that And When I Die was hers.
B, S & T was a great band.
I had discarded her as just another saccharine singer/songwriter.
So thank you for educating me.
Of course I watched this on Nebula😎
✌✌
Nyro was a big influence on Todd Rundgren's early music.
I love this! Thanks, so much. ❤
Thank you for an amazing and thoughtful video. I've watched this video many times and it never grows old. I knew these songs but never associated them with the originator. Caught her induction to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame on YT and it brought tears to Bette Midler. Your video inspired me to learn more theory and hear your full lessons so just signed up with Nebula. Thank u!
So nice of you. Thank you. Make sure to click the “classes “ tab to find all my best stuff there!
A wonderfull feelgood song, with a tinge of melancholy. I remember it well from the 60s and covered by others. It's a shame she never got the fame or credit and died a sad death at a relatively young age. Tremendously talented with a Jazz slant to many of her songs. RIP Dear Laura.
Aimee, with key changes as appropriate, i think your voice is just perfect for Laura Nyro’s songs.
Her writing and especially her piano playing remind me so much of Carole King. But Carole’s music was more “feel good,” whereas Laura was a little deeper and more troubled.
Good point
Rick interviewing Tori and you're analyzing Laura's music. I'm a very happy camper.
My older sister had the Eli album, and its perfumed lyric sheet knocked me out. It's one of those albums that get down deep and you don't ever escape. Aimee says something around 22:00 that made me wonder, well, if I loved Laura Nyro so much, how come I didn't spend the intervening years listening to her relentlessly? It's almost like a deeply spiritual experience or your memories of early Beatles songs: they're there, right where you need them, and not dependent on listening to them.
I completely agree with you Aimee! I used to sing with all her albums and was lucky to see her 2 times in concert. She was a tortured woman who played the piano beautifully and her voice , writing and lyrics were original and incredibly soulful! I love that you are singing her in concert and making these videos. I also was obsessed with the incredibly talented Joni Mitchell............ growing up with all her records. People, until more recently, basically forgot about her????????? WOW! until Brandy Carlyle be-friended her and started singing her tunes. Now people are covering as well as discovering Joni and her amazing talent!!!