Long time ERV readers will know that we love to feature covers, especially when the remake is a big hit. For instance, we have previously posted "Bette Davis Eyes," "I Love Rock 'n' Roll, " and "Mickey" - and a bunch more. Yep, they're all covers (readers can use the Covers label to the right to see all of the videos in this category.)
"Gloria" is another song that fits - it was the single that launched Laura Branigan's career, and was her biggest hit as well. Plus, we bet that most English-speaking readers have no idea that it is a cover of an Umberto Tozzi song. In a bit of good fortune, the co-producer of Branigan's first LP, Greg Mathieson, was the keyboard player on the original version, and suggested a remake.
Laura Branigan would go on to become a pretty big pop star in the 1980s - all five of her albums released in that decade broke the top 100. In addition, her first three LPs all reached #34 or higher, and she had seven top 40 singles, led by "Gloria," which peaked at #2 for three weeks in late 1982. Interestingly, (to me, at least) "Gloria" was kept out of the top spot by two different songs - Lionel Richie's "Truly" and the previously mentioned "Mickey," covered by Toni Basil.
The video for "Gloria" ... well, let's just say that the label did not spend a ton of money on it. It's Branigan on a modestly decorated soundstage, lip-singing away. Not surprisingly, we don't recall seeing the clip back in the day, although the song was all over the radio for a time.
Laura Branigan would remain active in the industry until her untimely death (from a brain aneurysm) in 2004.
The Umberto Tozzi version came out in 1979, and was a top 10 hit across several countries in Europe.
Much prefer one of Branigan's other cover songs: Self Control.
ReplyDeleteA lot more effort and expense put into that video.
Fair point about the video, and another Italian cover to boot. FWIW, we're putting "Self Control" in the bullpen, so you may see it on ERV in the future. Thanks for stopping by.
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