LAURA PURSELL

Laura Pursell – singer, songwriter and actress was born into a lively household filled with music in Nashville, TN.  Her father, Bill Pursell was a legendary pianist, composer, orchestral arranger and a classically trained musician who early on in his career went on to become a Music Row recording studio sideman, recording with the likes of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins and Marty Robbins and was instrumental in what became known as the “Nashville Sound” of the 60’s and 70’s. Her mother, Julie Hollabaugh was a respected Nashville front page reporter and a lifestyle and entertainment journalist.

When Laura discovered her ability for singing, she and her dad began a 20-year collaboration, finding their way into recording studios and performing live in Nashville, Los Angeles, and as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia, a trip organized by George C. White, founder of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in New York.  Laura has recorded several albums, four of which were recorded with her father.

Laura uncovered her full menu of theatrical, film, music and vocal talents upon moving to Los Angeles, CA in the early 90’s. Her vocal tone immediately drew comparisons to the late Karen Carpenter. Drawing on her rich Southern roots, she wrote an award-winning, autobiographical one-woman show, “The Pope of Jocelyn Hollow” which won the 2017 TAG Studio Solo Festival and had two runs at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and The Actors Group Studio in Burbank, CA.  Her comedic chops were featured in an episode of “AJ and the Queen” (“Baton Rouge”) starring RuPaul and produced by Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City, 2 Broke Girls.) She has appeared in TV, film and onstage in various acclaimed web series, including “Days of our Lives” (NBC), “Living the Dream”, “You Slay Me”, and “Quinn’s Place”.  She has also performed voiceovers for “Jessica Jones” (Marvel) and “Bates Motel” (A&E).

In 2023 Laura performed a show she created titled “Lost in Time.”  A musical tribute filled with songs written and/or arranged, performed and created by her father and also includes songs co-written by her in memory of her mother who passed away from dementia in 2018.

Laura’s latest album, “Shooting Star”, is a collection of songs recorded on the Netcom Music label. She was given the freedom to combine her own level of Southern sophistication with Americana, country and rock stylings.  Laura shares, “This album reflects a pivotal time during the pandemic when I began to stretch out vocally, work on different genres, and embrace a new vibe which reflected what my band and I were going through at the time.  Recording this music kept me sane and energized.  “

A cause close to her heart, Laura is continuing to advocate and show her support for Dementia and Alzheimer research and Caregiver Outreach by performing at fundraising events along with private and corporate events.  Laura is also an award-winning competitive figure skater and an active member of the Scott Hamilton Skating Club.

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