When Eloise Laws, El (as she is affectionately called by family and friends) steps up to the mike, you know something special is about to happen. Just ask anyone who has seen her perform. A Tony nominee, singer and entertainer, the allure of El remains as strong today, as it was when she burst onto the music scene as the younger sister of Hubert and older sibling to Ronnie and Deborah – all sharing the last name Laws.
It was 30 years ago that Laws was offered a role in the Broadway production of Hair but as fate would have it, she chose a different path and it would be many years before she would fulfill her life long dream of performing on Broadway. “When I finally performed on Broadway in ‘Ain’t Nothin But The Blues’, (a musical she starred in and co-developed), I realized that you might not get to your destination right away but you will get there if you persevere.”
‘Ain’t Nothin But The Blues’ garnered Laws rave reviews, a Tony nomination, a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Broadway musical, and a Helen Hayes Award nomination. “That was a magical, joyful time in my life. I was thrilled!” “Music and performing are my first loves, and right now that’s where my focus is.”
In January 2016, Laws will release her much-heralded singles, “Can’t Let Myself Hurt Myself,” and “Don’t Move, Don’t Blink.” “Can’t Let Myself Hurt Myself” encourages women to stop hurting themselves and to take responsibility for their lives. “There are roads that I took that were tough, that knocked me down but I got back up,” said Laws. “As women we sometimes hurt ourselves or open ourselves up to hurt from others and we must stop that. If I can overcome tough times then I want to encourage others that they can as well and this song is a reminder of the strength we have to do just that.”
“Don’t Move, Don’t Blink” the second single that will debut in January 2016 is a testament to never giving up. “People will always say and do things in an attempt to block you from reaching your destiny and dreams. So my message to all those who still dream is to hold onto those dreams and don’t blink or move because as long as you’re alive, your dreams are always possible.”
It is Laws the dreamer who wrote her first book, “Healing Showers,” when she was diagnosed with cancer and decided to surround herself with positivity and light. Laws invited family and friends to come to a shower where they could offer words of love and support as she prepared to fight the disease. The idea of “Healing Showers” is a definite “gift to me from the Divine.” “We celebrate babies at baby showers, and brides to be at a bridal showers. Why not throw a shower for someone who has suffered loss in their lives, whose life has been turned upside down?” “The concept of a healing shower is simple – it allows those who love you to support you when you need it the most.” “I hope that healing showers become a movement,” Laws said.
There is one musical project that most fans are desperate for and that is a performance featuring all of the Laws siblings….Hubert, Ronnie, Deborah, and Eloise, all on stage together. “We get that question all the time. We recently completed a documentary about Ronnie and all of the siblings participated. I don’t know the release date but it’s a great story.” The Laws did perform together, 12 years ago at the Playboy Jazz Festival so a second Laws family musical performance is a real possibility. Here’s hoping!
Laws can be seen onstage on Sunday, September 13 at the Texas Southern Alumni Gospel Brunch and Scholarship Drive, sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, 1pm – 4pm, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1901 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.
For more information about the Gospel Brunch, contact 213.401.0227 or [email protected]. Eloise Laws will also sign copies of her book “Healing Showers” at the Gospel Brunch.
