Laura Lee
Laura Lee is an American soul and gospel singer and songwriter, born Laura Lee Newton on March 9, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. She rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with hits celebrating women's experiences, such as "Dirty Man" and "Women's Love Rights."
Laura Lee moved to Detroit as a child with her mother and was adopted by Rev. E. Allan Rundless, a former Soul Stirrers member, and his wife Ernestine, leader of the gospel group The Meditation Singers. She joined the group as Laura Lee Rundless in 1956, replacing Della Reese, and toured widely while recording for labels like Specialty and Checker.
She launched her secular solo career in 1965, recording for Ric-Tic and then Chess Records, where "Dirty Man" hit #13 R&B in 1968 at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. Other Chess successes included "Up Tight Good Man" (#16 R&B) and "As Long As I Got You" (#31 R&B).
Signing with Invictus/Hot Wax in the 1970s, she released feminist anthems like "Women's Love Rights" (#11 R&B, #36 Pop) and "Love And Liberty" (#23 R&B). She moved to Ariola in 1975 but retired due to illness, returning in 1983 with gospel work alongside Al Green and later as an ordained minister.
Two Sides Of Laura Lee
Written-By – H. Warren, M. Gordon 4:38
A2 Every Little Bit Hurts
Written-By – E. Cobb 6:08
A3 Guess Who I Saw Today
Written-By – E. Boyd, M. Grand 3:51
A4 Crumbs Off The Table
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar, S. Payne 3:34
B1 If You Can Beat Me Rockin' (You Can Have My Chair)
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Dunbar 2:52
B2 Workin' And Lovin' Together
Written-By – A. Bond, D. Brown, W. Weatherspoon 2:33
B3 Rip Off
Written-By – A. Bond, W. Weatherspoon 3:15
B4 When A Man Loves A Woman
Written-By – A. Wright, C. Lewis 5:19
B5 You've Got To Save Me
Written-By – D. Brown, W. Weatherspoon 3:16
Label: Hot Wax – HA 714
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul, Funk
Laura Lee 's Two Sides Of Laura Lee (1972) is a celebrated soul/funk album, praised for showcasing her powerful, husky voice with classic tracks like the funky "Rip Off" and the soulful "Crumbs Off The Table," blending late 60s Southern soul with 70s funk from the Holland-Dozier-Holland Hot Wax label.
While some find the material formulaic compared to her Chess Records work, reviewers consistently laud her exceptional vocal performance, capturing both hard-edged funk and vulnerable ballads, making it a cornerstone of Southern soul and funk.
Lee's emotive, husky voice is the centerpiece, able to deliver both gritty funk and tender ballads with raw power.
The album perfectly captures the dynamic between soulful, string-laden ballads (Side 1) and hard-hitting, horn-driven funk stompers (Side 2).
It features essential deep soul cuts like "At Last," "Guess Who I Saw Today," "Every Little Bit Hurts," and the breakout funk hit "Rip Off".
Primarily produced by William Weatherspoon (formerly of Motown) for the Invictus/Hot Wax label.
The album truly embodies its title, presenting both her smooth, sentimental side and her tough, funky persona.
Considered a standout in soul music, often compared favorably to greats like Aretha Franklin for its depth and power. Many see Lee as an under-recognized talent whose work on this album deserves wider acclaim.
A must-have for fans of authentic Southern soul and funk from the era. In essence, Two Sides Of Laura Lee is celebrated as a definitive album, showcasing Lee's incredible vocal talent across two distinct but equally compelling sides of soul and funk music.