Born into a creative and musical family, Lauralee grew up celebrating most holidays and special occasions singing and dancing with parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and who ever else. Her maternal grandpa "Papa" played accordion, and sometimes all the furniture would be moved to the edge of the living room so folks could dance while Papa played. (He would also dance while playing!)
Most times though, the acoustic guitars were brought out and everyone sang together, harmonizing in folk-style fashion to songs like "Don't think Twice" & "You Are My Sunshine", "The Water Is Wide" or the absolute favorite to wail on: "Long Black Veil".
Musically, she was greatly influenced by The Beatles; Her parents bought every album since their "Beatles For Sale" LP was released in 1964 with "Mr. Moonlight" becoming one of her favorite songs of theirs...at such an early age no less! Growing up she was also influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchel, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday and Heart; musicals such as "The Sound Of Music", "Jesus Christ Super Star" and yes..."Hair".
