Laura Enea was an extremely popular and beloved vocalist in the late 80's, early 90's, singing in the "freestyle" genre. She began her career at an early age singing in front of family members in White Plains, New York. While she was always playing the funny girl, Laura had a passion that was seen and recognized by everyone around her. When she walked into a room, she brought an exuberance and brightness along with her. Her smile and wit was contagious and still is. In the late 80's, Laura decided to make a "video" at a mall studio and video booth,and lip-synched to a Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." This got her an audition at the famed Apollo Theater where she performed Aretha Franklin's "Respect" in front of a very tough crowd. Laura received a near standing ovation, won and was asked to return a second time! The crowd loved her, and happily the "Sandman" did not whisk her off the stage like he commonly did for acts who were boo'd. Laura released her first single in 1992. "This is the Last Time (you break my heart" was a huge nation-wide hit and instantly propelled Laura to fame. After 5 months of chart-topping, her next single "Our Love" received similar enthusiasm from fans and a small national tour began. During this year, Laura traveled to London where she was to make a video for "Say I'm Your Number One". This Scott, Aiken, Waterman song was originally done by "Princess," but was revived and re-done with a more syncopated and updated keyboard sound. Laura's Producer Mauro DeSantis was considered to be the Freestyle Producer of the day and was commonly sought by famous artists, but his allegiance was to Laura and writing songs for her. While touring and supporting local radio stations like Hot97 in New York, something dastardly was brewing in the music scene that would altogether wipe out Freestyle and the whole latin-feel associated with freestyle music. That something was a band called "Nirvana." Once they broke into public consciousness, radio stations changed format immediately to cash in on what was known to be "grunge." With that, Freestyle died an untimely death at 124 beats per minute. Laura is now living in the Tri-State area. She has a budding career as a real estate agent, owns her own businesses, and enjoys the company of her family. When asked if she would ever sing or do a tour again, Laura declined to comment. Paul Brighton, WFOX,New York
