Laura Branigan Gets Grasp Of Joplin’s Rasp

Laura Branigan Gets Grasp Of Joplin’s Rasp

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) – Singer Laura Branigan is best known for her 1982 hit, “Gloria,” but, these days, she’s more concerned with Janis – as in Joplin. Starting tomorrow (June 1), the 1980s-era pop singer will be portraying 1960s rock goddess Janis Joplin in the New York production of Love, Janis, a musical based on Joplin’s letters and songs. Branigan wasn’t familiar with Joplin before taking on the role but decided to take it after reading the singer’s letters, which she says are “...so intelligent, witty and phrased in a way that’s so clearly her.” Although Branigan says duplicating Joplin’s rasp was easier than she thought, she admits her imitation isn’t 100 percent accurate because, otherwise, she wouldn’t have a voice. Branigan will portray Joplin for three months and hopes to release a new solo CD by the end of the year.

Fri 05-31-02