Karen Lawrence is an American singer, musician, and songwriter recognized for her powerhouse vocals and spirited stage presence. During her illustrious multi-decade career her distinctive and dynamic style has frequently put her on international critics “Best Female Singer” lists.
“…Lawrence left most of the competition standing, instilling a depth of emotion into each song which most could only marvel at…a rare talent…unique…” Power Play Magazine – UK
Lawrence’s accomplishments include lead vocal and writing credits on Jeff Beck’s Beckology album and composing the theme song “Prisoner” for the film Eyes of Laura Mars starring Faye Dunaway. “Prisoner” was recorded by Barbra Streisand and included on Streisand’s Greatest Hits Volume 2, which sold over four times platinum. The song has been identified in songbooks as one of the one hundred best love songs and was recorded by renowned blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa for his 2011 album Dust Bowl. Bonamassa continues to play “Prisoner” in his live shows and has included it on his 2024 Live At The Hollywood Bowl DVD/CD.
In the late seventies Lawrence’s rock group 1994:, on A&M Records, toured extensively throughout the U.S. opening for Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Ted Nugent and many more. The group’s two albums, 1994: and Please Stand By… were produced by the legendary Jack Douglas and have been reissued as Collector’s Editions and re-released worldwide.
The 1980’s offered Lawrence an opportunity to experiment and revel in the popular New Wave genre. Her 1981 RCA release, Karen Lawrence and The Pinz, Girl’s Night Out, was also produced by Jack Douglas. The rock-and-pop-infused album Rip and Tear, produced by Eddie Leonetti, followed in 1987.
Falling back to her musical roots in the early 1990‘s, Lawrence formed and led the widely acclaimed blues band Blue By Nature. Renowned for their high-energy live shows, the group emerged from L.A.’s highly competitive blues/R&B scene to become one of the top bands in Southern California. They released three albums – Blue to the Bone, Live at the Lake, and Hard Daze. With the release of the Best of Live album in 2018, Karen Lawrence and Blue By Nature gained an even broader audience.
2019 saw the release of Lawrence’s blues-based classic ballad “I Couldn’t Help But Love You,” also mixed by Jack Douglas. It is the final recording of the band Blue By Nature.
In 2024 Lawrence has released The Blues Is Back, a full-length, self-produced collection reflecting the charismatic artist’s depth and emotive style. Allowing the music to come easily and flow naturally, Karen Lawrence gives a familiar idiom an inspired and fresh identity while remaining true to the heart of the blues.
