THE LAURA SIMON BAND

Myspace Layouts
BREAKING NEWS, ALERT THE MEDIA!!
FORCE OF NATURE WAS RELEASED NATIONALLY RECENTLY BY BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK STORES, AND NOW CAN BE ORDERED AT ANY STORE IN THE UNITED STATES! WE ARE BLESSED AND VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE EVERYWHERE TO HEAR OUR MUSIC...THE FIRST FOUR SONGS ARE "RED DOT" SONGS, WHICH MEANS YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM ON THE HEADSETS PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE ALBUM...
STOP BY A STORE ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY AND LISTEN TO "HIGH LONESOME AT SANTEETLAH", "GET LOST FOR AWHILE", "LOVE IN STEEL AND NYLON" AND "YOU SAY"!!
THE LAURA SIMON BAND ALSO HAS THEIR ALBUM, "RODE HARD AND PUT UP WET" AVAILABLE IN THE POP/ROCK SECTION AT BARNES AND NOBLE IN THE MALL OF GEORGIA.
THE NEW ALBUM, "BEACON OF LIGHT- a showcase of southern talent, WILL BE RELEASED SUMMER 2008. MANY VETERAN SOUTHERN MUSICIANS WILL BE JOINING LAURA ON THIS ONE, VERY EXCITING!! ALL THREE ALBUMS ARE INDEPENDENTLY FINANCED BY LAURA SIMON.
Be sure to check out our latest blogs about AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, and the making of BEACON OF LIGHT, a journey...a good read!
We love our fans, and YOU are why we do this!
Now, about Laura!
Want this badge?
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a true southern peach, Laura was encouraged early on by her parents, Ann and Joe Simon, to pursue her many interests. Even her parents were interesting, Joe Simon owned the first air traffic control in Atlanta with airplanes, "Eye in the Sky" and was the co-owner of the Wit's End Dinner Theatre, where he gave Dick Van Dyke his start, and Ann Simon was a former beauty queen and model in Chicago who also was an original "Tuckerette", showing off the most famous car of that time, the Tucker!

Often referred to as a "get the job done person", Laura's education and talents are varied and impressive. After graduating from St. Pius X High School, where Laura manged to stay elegantly wasted AND maintain an honor roll status, she studied stained glass at the Atlanta College of Arts, and went on to creating beautiful stained glass art and to teach for many years. After attending Century 21 Real Estate Academy, she spent over 30 years in the real estate business, and for over a decade has successfully run her own business, AAA Apartment Agency, a free apartment locator service. She is now in the Mortgage business, and juggles that and her first love, creating music.
And now for some music related name dropping...These days were alot of fun for Laura, life was different then...and man, did people party!
In the mid 70's, Laura dated Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, traveled with the band and had many great experiences. During that time she met many famous musicians, including, of course, all the members of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg, Dickey, Jaimoe, Butch, Kim and the rest of the motley crew, and their management team, including Bunky, Willie, Scooter, Red Dog and Sunshine, and the legendary Phil and Peggy Walden from Capricorn Records.
During this time, The Allman Brothers were on their Laid Back tour and the Gregg Allman Tour, two of his best albums. He often would say to Laura that he wrote "Queen of Hearts" and "Multicolored Lady" about her, but even then she knew he probably said that to all the girls he knew! Who wouldn't? This was quite an experience for a young Catholic gal from Atlanta, Georgia! Gregg proposed to Laura at, believe it or not, the Teddy Bear Grill in downtown Atlanta, near the Royal Coach Hotel, which they often frequented. Surprised and in the back of the limo, Laura declined, as she decided she was too young to be married, she still has the lovely turquoise and onyx band Gregg gave her, and cherishes the memory. Not much later, Gregg would go on to marry Cher and have Elijah Blue! Sadly, Duane was gone by this time, but Laura recalls riding with Gregg on his motorcyle down to visit his gravesite at Rose Hill in Macon, Georgia.
Laura and Gregg often spent time with icons, such as BB King, who handed her his Lucille to strum, although ironically, at that time she was not a guitarist. She also met Willie Nelson a number of times, and remembers him as being a really cool, mellow man, the members of ZZ Top, Michael McDonald, a great band from that time called Spirit, the Doobie Brothers, and back then she was known to party a bit with the boys from Lynyrd Skynyd, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, and the boys from another southern rock band called Cowboy, Tommy Talton and Scott Boyer. Also in this era, Laura had the distinct honor of meeting Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, of Led Zeppelin, as well as Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesch from the Grateful Dead, brief encounters at back stage parties that left a lasting impression.
Later she would go on to meet Mick Jagger, and Chris Isaac, (they didn't get away without a kiss!) as she often had the nack of being in the right place at the right time, and having best friends who owned Richards Rock and Roll Club, the best Rock and Roll club ever in Atlanta, where she casually met Johnny and Edgar Winters, and BB's brothers, who often played the club, Freddie and Albert. Other friends owned Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom, and the Great SE Music Hall, Gordy's, and Billy Watson's, and Harrison's, which certainly didn't hurt, as well as a husband whose family owned the Copperfield's, the Beef Cellar and many clubs in Underground Atlanta when it had it's day!... These were great musical times in Atlanta, almost mystical.
As a young teen, her parents took her to see The Beatles live at the Atlanta Stadium. Paul McCartney was her first crush, and she hopes to meet him someday! A few years ago, Laura had the honor of playing an impromtu concert at Harrod's in London to celebrate the Beatles coming to the US. All of these artists have had a tremendous influence on her musical style.
Laura was married for 13 years to Lee Timberlake, and has a stepson, Shawn, and step grandchildren. After her divorce, following a long term relationship with a fine man named Jack Ballou, Laura met her soul mate, Larry York , in the late 90's. While they were planning their wedding, he died unexpectedly. As Laura dealt with her deep sadness and grief, she began to have musical dreams - which continue today. Laura often awakens with melodies, lyrics and at times, full color choreographed music videos of her songs! Laura started playing guitar on a classical Yamaha that she found in a pawn shop, learned a few chords, and began composing her country rock, americana songs that uniquely reflect her life and love experiences.
Laura's first song, "Help Me Through Another Night" was dedicated to Larry and the survivors of the 9/11 tragedy. She has composed many songs since, and her inspiration continues. In 2005, she completed her debut CD, "Force Of Nature", which was for sale at Tower Records here and in Memphis until they closed last year, and it is now available nationally at Barnes and Noble Book stores. Her 2006 project, a DVD, "The Laura Simon Band-Live at the Cumming Playhouse Theatre" has gone down in Forsyth County history as the first and only DVD ever filmed there. Laura has recently completed a second album, "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet", featuring classic rock remakes, "Simonized", and two blues originals, which is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble Book Store at the Mall of Georgia in the pop/rock section. All of these projects are co-produced by Laura at Richenroll Studios in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The newest most exciting project by Laura Simon is her most recent album, to be released summer 2008...''BEACON OF LIGHT- a showcase of southern talent", which has a five star cast of thirteen southern musicians joining Laura in the studio on 10 original tunes, Americana style. Each song will feature different artist's and have an "era" sound, all uniquely different and diverse. Interestingly enough, each artist was given free range to create what they heard and felt would lend itself to her songs, as Laura has learned long ago that it is best not to over arrange or try to control this type of talent. And it has made "BEACON OF LIGHT" shine as bright as a star!
This wonderfully elegant album is co produced by Laura, and recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered at Red Room 104 Studios locally in Marietta, Georgia, by the talented Charles Clifton, a young producer with alot of vision and a dedication to perfection.
Laura perfers to play acoustic rhythm guitar, and is often accompanied by other talented, veteran musicians from the Atlanta scene. Including Barry Richman of the Barry Richman Band, George Price of the George Price Trio, Marvin Taylor of Java Monkey, who has recently made an appearance on Laura's newest album, "BEACON OF LIGHT-a showcase of southern talent", Andrew Loggins, and band member Reg Stainback, all on lead guitar, Steven Mays and Rich Tomanio on bass, as well as Jon Schwenke, who has also recently joined Laura on "BEACON OF LIGHT", Matthew Smart and Al Robinson on harp, all amazing talent in their own right. And with band member Bobby "Rebel" Sterling on sticks, Melissa Massey from the Diane Durrett band and Leirrie Valentin joining in on drums on the new album, "BEACON OF LIGHT", band member Penny "Angel Voice" Fonner on harmony vocals, Kari Savage of the Barry Richman band joining in on harmony vocals on "BEACON OF LIGHT, and occasional special guests joining in on stage, like Joanie Sanders on bass and banjo and Monty Roberts on guitar, this band is most enjoyable, worth hearing, and leaves a lasting impression!
The Laura Simon Band can be seen performing from Macon, Ga. to Helen, Ga. at local clubs and festivals. You can check out laurasimonband.com, which is not maintained now, however, there you can hear THE LAURA SIMON BAND'S acoustic version of "Stairway To Heaven", and see shots and info of the early days. To shedule a performance, please contact Laura personally at [email protected].
Notable Quotables from around the world...this is the good stuff, and why we all do this...Thanks so much for your support and for even noticing!!
Your music has a great vibe to it! Bill, Massachusetts
I really like I Saw a Man - Lafores, Texas
I love the voice! Elaine, Canada
Compliments for your beautiful voice! Stefano, Italy
Enjoyed listening to your songs! Barry Richman, Atlanta, Ga.
Like your music very much - Stevolaz, Italy
Great things still coming outta Ga! Paolo, Italy
You have beautiful music on your page! Manu, Brazil
You cats play like you mean it! Sugar Blue UK
Can't wait to see you live again! Gameless, Alpharetta, Ga.
Beautiful songs, beautiful voice... HillbillyDix Australia
Awesome voice! Lauren, New Zealand
Love your music! You Rock! Gena, Ireland
Wow! I love your style, rock on! Kata, Tn.
Uno endlich ist unser neves Album da! Kitty, Germany
You have a cool sound..Paulo, Brazil
I really like your music! Nella, Croatia
What a special voice tone, wonderful! Loved There Goes My Baby! Simone, Brazil
You have an interesting story...Dirk, Texas
Greetings from Tokyo...Littlefat
You don't need my help booking, girl! You got booking covered! Ga. Peach
The bio you have up here makes for a good read...sounds like you have had some fantastic musical experiences! Gen, Australia
You are our 200th friend for our new station! Your tunes are on air...Tornado Valley Radio, Ks.
We are proud to have you on our front page! Remembrance, New Jersey
Your music is very great, my compliments...Carlo, Italy
Great songs you got there! Anders, Sweden
I like your variety of songs, you are very talented and creative! Joseph, SC
Wonderful songs, good to see another female vocalist on her way! Kathy Mattea, Nashville, Tn.
I Saw a Man is so cool...I mean, the drums, the guitar, the voice, it' hard to describe, but I just love it! Johan, Belgium
I got stuck on your page for an hour, and that never happens with me! Jim, NY
Really like your stuff, and I usually don't like that kind of music! Time to Burn, Psychedelic HipHop, Dallas, Tx.
Y'all are unbelievably good, better every time we come out to a show! And, Laura, you look more beautiful every time we see you! We won't miss a show... Wanda, Juan and Elizabeth, Gainesville, Ga.
Crystal Ship...WOW! Trimmed and Burnin, Washington DC
You are on our show and our front page! The Barry Paul Radio Show
Love your music! Eddie Sulik, Jr. Connecticut
Good on you for being yourself, expressing your music, and expressing yourself from the heart... Ray, Australia
You remind me of everything I love about Georgia! Jimmy, Star Harbor Films, Dallas Tx.
The September issue of Bridgeworks is out, and you are in it! Bill Littleton, Nashville, Tn.
Thanks so much, I am not worthy, but will try to live up to your kind words, which give me the strength to continue to write and perform my music, for the grace of God and His wisdom are with us all. Good luck to all of you out there who are struggling to make it, and please, do drop in often! Peace and Light...