by Julie Longstreet Wehmeyer

Created on: August 09, 2008   Last Updated: August 10, 2008

"Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "And When I Die," "Stoney End," and the unforgettable "Eli's Coming."

Who among us growing up in the 60's and 70's didn't groove to these songs never knowing that they were penned by a delicate, young Libra girl born in the Bronx?

Born on October 18, 1947, to Gilda Mirsky Nigro, a bookkeeper, and Louis Nigro, a piano tuner and jazz trumpeter, Laura was an original American composer, lyricist, singer and pianist. Her style, a distinctive mix of Brill Building style New York pop mixed with elements of jazz, gospel, R&B, show tunes and rock, made an indelible mark on the music of the 60's and 70's.

She was a very creative and artsy child, and even taught herself to play the piano. She was a voracious reader especially poetry, and loved listening to artists such as Leontyne Price, Billie Holliday and classical composers such as Ravel and Debussy. Some of her favorite musicians were John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Pete Seeger, Curtis Mayfield, Van Morrison, and girl groups such as Martha and the Vandellas and the Shirelles.

Like many gifted composers, she started writing music when she was very young, composing her first song at age eight. And in fact, she wrote "Wedding Bell Blues" and the young age of 17!

Laura attended the prestigious Manhattan's High School of Music and Art. During this time, she started singing with a group of friends in the subway stations and street corners of New York. She accredited this time to being one of the best times of her life. She loved the energy of creating something new.

Laura's songs held a certain intelligence that many pop songs of that era were missing and helped move the country toward higher social consciousness. In fact, she commented, "I was always interested in the social consciousness of certain songs. My mother and grandfather were progressive thinkers, so I felt at home in the peace movement and the women's movement, and that has influenced my music." Obviously, her family background provided a strong influence in her music, and has made a strong impact in many lives.

Artie Mogull auditioned Laura in 1966 and became her first manager. At that time, she experimented with other names, finally settling on Nyro (pronounced "Nero").

Her first songwriting hit was "And When I Die" which she sold to Peter, Paul and Mary for a mere $5,000 in 1966.

Also, at this time, Laura recorded her debut album, "More Than A New Discovery" which provided material for other artists notably Barbra Streisand

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