Laura Nyro

USA, 1966–1997

American songwriter and pianist (1947-1997) who combined Brill Building craft with soul, gospel and jazz harmony. Her songs were hits for the 5th Dimension, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Three Dog Night.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Laura Nyro and 1 artist Laura Nyro influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Laura Nyro?

• Curtis Mayfield — Nyro was deeply influenced by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions — the gospel-soul at the heart of her songwriting.
• The Impressions — The Impressions' harmony soul was central to the sound Nyro built her dramatic pop on.
• Martha and the Vandellas — Motown girl groups — Martha and the Vandellas among them — shaped Nyro's melodic, rhythmic pop.
• John Coltrane — Coltrane's jazz was among the influences behind Nyro's harmonic adventurousness.

Which artists did Laura Nyro influence?

• Barbra Streisand — Named by Streisand among the writers she admired, alongside Fanny Brice, Sinatra and Sondheim.