Eloise Laws has worn many hats in the entertainment industry throughout her career — Broadway actress, author, songwriter, vocalist, and recording artist. Her mother was the director of the church choir and encouraged her to pursue singing as a profession. Eloise ultimately began performing at church. It was this influence that would send her on the path she would follow the next three decades of her life and career. Eloise Laws has been widely acclaimed for jazz, soul, and rhythm & blues. In 1999, she hit the Broadway stage in the four-time nominated musical It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. Laws has also performed with her two famous siblings: Hubert Laws, a three-time Grammy-nominated flutist, and popular, highly acclaimed saxophonist Ronnie Laws.

Last summer I saw Eloise Laws perform at the Drew Jazz Festival. The composer/vocalist created a classy set of music by singing the blues mixed with scatting. “Listen to the Moonlight” had a Latin beat to which Eloise sang masterfully. She then sang the well-known standard “Fever.” Laws presented some of her original songs “I Ask You Heart Whose Side Are You On” and “Can’t Let Myself, Hurt Myself” which had spine tingly, soulful delivery. Eloise ended her set with a tribute to the old style R&B music and the blues that she said was “the music of promise and the music of humanity.” Eloise effortlessly performed each of those genres, and really showcased her range as a vocal artist.

“I have been very fortunate to have been born into a family of musicians . . . musicians who have all made names for themselves.”—Eloise Laws

Eloise and I sat down and talked more about her impressive career and her upcoming performances.

Interview by Sheryl Aronson
Responses by Eloise laws

How did growing up in your family contribute to your artistry as a vocalist?

My biggest influence was my mom and my brother Hubert, because my other siblings came after me. My mother was our choir director in the church and I sang in the choir. She also exposed me to other artists in our home such as Billy Holliday and Dinah Washington. In my College years, I began listening to Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand, and a lot of the Motown Artists—that was because these singers were from my generation.

As a choir director, what did your mother teach you in regards to expressing yourself vocally?

We were constantly surrounded by music on a weekly basis as we had choir rehearsals in our home, and I did a lot of solo work in the choir. She was very encouraging, giving me a lot of opportunity to sing before an audience in church. As I look back, I think that was one of the biggest contributing factors —exposing me at an early age to perform in front of an audience.

A lot of singers come out of the church such as Whitney. I think it really helps to shape your vocal skills and performance ability because you have the exposure of singing in front of an audience as a young person. Michael Jackson is another example.  

You have had a comprehensive career touring, recording, and also performing on Broadway. Please share some highlights that have shaped your success.

I studied music in college and was given a scholarship to do so. This began my musical career. Someone saw the talent and presented an opportunity for me to pursue my career by setting up a scholarship and gave me the privilege to go to New York and study music, drama, and dance — [which is] the whole entertainment industry in terms of performance. So I was exposed to a lot of traveling, being on television, and meeting people from all walks of life. I performed for a lot of people in the industry that I love and respect such as Nancy Wilson, Harry Belafonte, the list goes on and on. I also worked with my family after I established myself as an artist. Broadway came much later in my career but I welcomed it because it was one of my dreams.

Please tell me more about the people you have worked with.

I worked with Harry Belafonte, Flip Wilson, and with Merv Griffin. When I was on Broadway many celebrities came to the show like Alec Baldwin, Stevie Wonder, and the writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland.

What was the name of the Broadway show you performed in?

The name of the show was Ain’t Nothing But the Blues. It was all about the history of the blues. We actually did the show all over the country for 2 1/2 years before we got to Broadway. When we were in New Brunswick, NJ, a producer came to see it and thought it had to go to Broadway.

How did you develop your style of singing, because you embrace so many of the genres: blues, jazz, R&B, Pop, and Broadway?

I was exposed at an early age to all genres of music. My mother always taught us that music belongs to everyone. All of the music came out of the blues . . . jazz, gospel. Not having a specific genre I focused on has been a blessing, because it brought me so many different opportunities. Doing different television shows made me go in one direction; singing the blues got me the role in the musical. The different record labels I signed with CBS, then ABC, then Capitol, each of these record labels saw something in me. In the industry they like to put a label on you, but I haven’t been categorized as such.

I’ve seen you perform and you have a great presence on stage. Your music definitely encompassed multiple genres.  

Thank you. You pointed out something that sometimes I forget. When I do perform, that’s when all the mixtures come in . . . whether it’s jazz, pop, or blues. But I am performing — I am a performer. That has been a particular way for me to stand tall and be recognized. This is what my strength is.

Speaking of performing, please tell everyone where you will be appearing in the next few months?

This year is a very busy year for me. That’s something I can be very proud of; at this point my career to still be viable. I am excited. I have a concert coming up at Catalina Jazz Club on April 12th with [trumpeter] Tom Browne, and I am also performing with Tom [Browne] and my brother Ronnie Laws in San Diego on April 27th at the Four Points Sheraton. I will also be heading to London for the Blackpool International Soul Festival, which will be from June 15th to June 17th. The lineup is amazing: Patti Austin, Lamont Dozier, Ann Sexton to name a few.

Talk about the songs that you have been recording.
I have recorded two singles: “Can’t Let Myself, Hurt Myself” and “Don’t Move, Don’t Blink.” The second single will be coming out right about the time we will be at Catalina’s, and I will be performing it live for the first time. I wrote the music and lyrics with my writing partner Robert Harper.

What charities are you involved with?

I’ve been involved with community services for about 15 years, because I believe it’s important to give back. I wouldn’t be where I am if people hadn’t reached out and supported me. I sit on the committee for the Conrad Johnson Foundation out of Houston. I had worked at a Foundation in the past called Educating Young Minds. I am giving my talents to the charities, but I also perform for friends who ask me as well, like for Black History Month. I was asked to sing at a church for that, and also got a few of my friends to participate.

I think it’s important to do as much as you can. We only pass this way . . . it seems like a fleeting moment. It’s really about helping others. I always say it takes a big person to do small things. When you serve others, your blessings just come back. That’s always been my motto. I remember a quote Johnny Mathias told me, “In this business if you’re a nice person, it makes you a nicer person, but if you are a fool, it makes you a bigger fool.”

What are you looking forward to as you move forward?

I’m looking forward to getting better. Exposing myself to opportunities that inspire me. Up to this point, I am very happy to keep going. Of course there has been an ebb and flow—up and down—that goes with the territory. That’s the business. Nobody stays on top forever. I have constantly reinvented myself. Robin Parker, my manager, came into my life and has made sure that I am staying busy. She has encouraged me, reassuring me, [that] I have a lot more to give.

“I look forward to tomorrow and I don’t know what tomorrow brings. That’s the beauty of this business. You never know what tomorrow brings.” —Eloise Laws

To see Eloise Laws perform go to her website at: http://eloiselaws.com

Agenda Bloggers: Written by Sheryl Aronson for “Arting Around” | Want to comment? Login/Register here.