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Revision as of 22:08, 13 February 2005 by Stefanomione (talk | contribs) (adding Category:Italian-American entertainers)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Laura Nyro (originally Nigro) (October 18, 1947 - April 8, 1997) was an American singer and songwriter born in New York City.
She was best known, and had the most commercial success, as a songwriter rather than a performer. Her most well-known songs include "And When I Die" (made a hit by Blood, Sweat & Tears), "Stoney End" (covered by Barbra Streisand), "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Save the Country" (all covered by Fifth Dimension), and "Eli's Coming" (a hit for Three Dog Night). (Ironically, Nyro's own best-selling single was a cover of Carole King and Gerry Goffin's "Up on the Roof.")
Possibly frustrated by her lack of commercial success, Nyro announced her retirement from the music business at the age of 24. Five years later, however, she returned with Smile, a jazzy, laid-back album. After 1978, she would continue to release albums at the rate of about once every five years. None of these works became a major hit.
Nyro died of ovarian cancer.