Debra Laws

The sister of flutist Hubert Laws, saxophonist Ronnie Laws, and vocalist Eloise Laws, singer Debra Laws performed and collaborated with a veritable who's-who of jazz, funk, and R&B segments of the recording industry. After she was featured on recordings by her brothers, as well as Richard Roundtree's The Man from Shaft and Aquarian Dream's Fantasy, she signed to Elektra, where she released the 1981 album Very Special. Produced by Hubert and Ronnie, it reached number 13 on Billboard's R&B chart, led by three charting singles, including the title song; a staple of the quiet storm radio format, the hit has been sampled for songs recorded by Big Daddy Kane, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, and K. Michelle, among others. Though her career continued, she didn't release another album until 1993 -- Moments, for the Japanese Polystar label. Laws has performed in world-class concert halls and at some internationally renowned jazz festivals. Equally impressive are her numerous credits, including sessions for recordings by Jeffrey Osborne, Betty Wright, and Stevie Wonder. Laws has also worked as an actor on Broadway and in a series of other stage and television productions. Her film credits include Crossroads and Jailbird Rock. ~ Nate Cavalieri & Andy Kellman