Don Lawrence grew up in Manhattan, and his father, Martin Lawrence, set the professional stage for his career in music. Martin Lawrence was the lead tenor with the
Philadelphia Opera Company. In the early
1950s, Martin Lawrence made the transition to teaching, opening his vocal studio at the
Ansonia Hotel on West 73rd Street. Martin's students included
Annie Lennox,
Dion DiMucci,
Bobby Rydell,
Buddy Greco,
Jerry Vale,
Jane Morgan,
Connie Francis,
Vikki Carr,
The Spinners, and
The B-52's. After being the personal vocalist for the Commanding General of the Third Army and Band and performing at the
Copacabana in New York City, Don Lawrence joined his father at the Lawrence Vocal Studio, founded in 1948. He studied voice at the
Juilliard School. Lawrence and his father, Martin Lawrence, created the Lawrence technique, a modern version of
Bel canto, a classical opera technique supporting vocalists in
popular music. His son, Max Lawrence, is carrying the torch as the studio's third-generation vocal coach. Lawrence has worked with
Lady Gaga,
Whitney Houston,
Mick Jagger,
Axl Rose,
Bono,
Bette Midler,
Alicia Keys,
Billy Courtman,
Mark Ronson, and
Christina Aguilera.
The Wall Street Journal dubbed him "The most experienced coach at the Super Bowl" for his work in preparing Lady Gaga for her
Super Bowl Halftime show and
Academy Awards performances. In addition to being with her while filming
A Star Is Born and her tours including
The Monster Ball Tour,
Joanne World Tour, and
The Chromatica Ball. He supported
The Rolling Stones as their vocal coach on their
Shine a Light Tour and
Forty Licks World Tour. == References ==