Debra Renee Laws, born September 10 1956 in Houston, Texas, is an American singer and actress whose career began in the late 1970s. She first appeared on her brother Ronnie Laws’ 1977 album Friends and Strangers and on Hubert Laws’ 1979 release Land of Passion. In 1981, Debra Laws debuted as a solo artist with the album Very Special on Elektra Records; the title track "Very Special" and the single "Be Yourself" together sold more than 260,000 copies, while the album exceeded 385,000 sales. The song "Meant for You" was featured in the 1981 film Fighting Back. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s she toured extensively, performing in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and collaborated with artists such as George Duke, Betty Wright, and Stevie Wonder. In 1985 she recorded "Crusin' Tonight" for the The Heavenly Kid soundtrack, and in 1987 she won first prize at the Midnight Sun Song Festival in Finland. Debra Laws released the 1993 album Moments, writing or co‑writing nine of its twelve tracks. Her work has been sampled by artists including Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, and Big Daddy Kane, underscoring her influence in contemporary R&B and soul.
