Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Pursell
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I Got Here
I was born in a very colorful, chaotic household (we were nicknamed “The Pursell Zoo”). My Dad was Bill Pursell, well-known Nashville pianist & session musician; my mom was a writer and journalist.
I knew early on I was musical (I sang, danced, and figure skated) but it wasn’t til I moved to LA in my 20’s that I really began to find my voice. I worked with some legendary jazz talent who took me under their wing – guitar greats Ron Anthony & Barry Zweig, legendary drummers Earl Palmer & Frank DeVito, pianists George Gaffney & Ross Tompkins…the list goes on. I was very lucky and caught these guys in the twilight of their careers. They’re all gone now, but they gave me so much. I took every gig I was offered and I learned how to sing and be a musician on the job. I was also taking acting classes at South Coast Repertory and at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, where I studied with luminaries like Jeffrey Tambor and Milton Katselas. I worked a bit in TV, film, and lots of stage. I was part of a wonderful group of artists and musicians in LA. I also had my own band that performed 3 days a week, playing rock, country and jazz-infused Americana.
I’d come home to Nashville to work with my dad, doing shows at Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Cheekwood, and private parties. He even took me to Dublin, Ireland and St. Petersburg, Russia to perform. Dad and I recorded 5 full length albums together in Nashville, all of which he arranged and played on.
Dad and I were in the middle of our final CD together, when COVID happened. I flew home in August of 2020 with one suitcase, to spend a week with Dad and accompany him to a family wedding. My father started coughing 3 days after I arrived and he died 3-1/2 weeks later from Covid pneumonia, at the age of 94. That’s when the bottom fell out of my life. I wasn’t able to return to LA, my husband, or my job, even to visit, for over a year.
I was the executor of Dad’s estate and ended up staying in Nashville. I was offered a job as a figure skating coach so I could make a little money and stay sane. I settled his estate, finished our final album on my own, and did a huge tribute show in his memory at 3rd & Lindsley. I developed a new circle of friends, started “sitting in” at jazz jams around town, formed a ukulele trio (“Sunny Side Up”) with two other women, and became the lead singer of a new band called “Jazzberry Hill” with Matthew Clinkenbeard (Crystal Gayle’s guitarist). I began to explore my southern roots and started singing more in the Americana vein. I filmed a beautiful video in Nashville (more like a short film, really) of “Shooting Star”, a Bob Dylan cover I recorded, which encapsulates so much of my journey. It was a love letter to everyone who has ever helped me and loved me, including my father.
I realize now that I was able to do so many wonderful things, by simply saying “yes” to every opportunity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was able to seamlessly work with many different musicians and genres and was always welcomed with open arms. I was so honored to be referred to as “a musician’s singer”. I may have my dad to thank for that. I was blessed to be able to record so many full-length albums (CD’s) with the backing of my uncle Ray Clawson, who actually formed a label for me and my Dad (Netcom Music). I’m eternally grateful for that. The big struggle of my life was having to walk away from LA when my dad died. I lost so much – my job, my band, my friends, my house. My entire life was turned upside down. Fortunately, I’m met so many wonderful musicians and writers here and have been given opportunities that were not available in LA. And I’m home again, where it all started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer/recording artist with 7 full-length albums, which I start recording in 1999, most of them in Nashville. I have a jazz-tinged voice which I think seeps into all my country, Americana and rock recordings. Early on, people compared me to Karen Carpenter, which I still hear a lot of. I’m honored, but there is only one Karen Carpenter! I try to continually find new ways to express myself.
I’m also an ice skating coach with the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy and SHARP4Sports (Specialized High Aptitude Resource Program). I’m always moving, creating and teaching. I teach an off ice performance class for kids and adults, combining my stage and performing experience with skating skills. At the rink, I’m known for my “artistry” classes.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To leave a positive mark on the planet, so that people remember the good things you did, after you’re gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurapursell.com
- Instagram: @laurapursell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.a.pursell
- Twitter: @The LauraPursell
- Youtube: @LauraPursell
