Laura Branigan's rendition of the Italian classic 'Gloria' became an iconic 80s post-disco hit, but how did she transform it? Born in New York, Branigan's journey to stardom began in the early 70s with the folk band Meadow, which eventually dissolved. After a short stint as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen, she signed a record deal and released her debut single, 'All Night With Me', which failed to make an impact. However, her second single, 'Gloria', had already gained popularity in Europe, thanks to the Italian artist Umberto Tozzi's original version released in 1979. Tozzi's melody and lyrics, which tell the story of a narrator haunted by the absence of a girl, served as inspiration for Branigan's version. Her producer, Jack White, and Greg Mathieson, who played keyboards on Tozzi's original, played crucial roles in the remake. Branigan's unique vocals and a lyrical rewrite by Trevor Veitch transformed 'Gloria' into a cautionary tale about a young girl's romantic escapades. The song's upbeat music clashed effectively with the lyrics, creating a catchy and memorable pop hit. Branigan's version of 'Gloria' not only reached No. 2 on the US pop charts but also solidified her reputation as a go-to singer for international hits, including 'Solitaire', 'Self Control', and 'Ti Amo'.
