Began career as a performance artist in the late 1960s, began recording in the late 1970s. Rose to popularity in early 1980s when 8-minute single, "O Superman" made it to No. 2 on the British pop charts. Early magnum opus was the two-night extravaganza "United States Parts I-IV" in 1983. Latest album "Life on A String" released in 2001. Laurie continues touring and being an active figure in the art world.

In the 1990s worked with Peter Gabriel and others on plans for a high-tech amusement park.Once worked as an art critic for magazines such as Artforum.Close friend of William S. Burroughs and Lou Reed .One of her sculptures was a tape player with a musical tape loop, imbedded into a large table covered with rubber with notches cut into it. The only way to hear the music was to sit at the table, place your elbows into the notches, and cover your ears with your hands.Romantically linked with Lou Reed for many years.Worked alongside Andy Kaufman for a time in the 1970s, acting as a sort of 'straight woman' during his stand-up routines. Possibly romantically linked with him as well (implied by the spoken word recording "Ugly One With the Jewels" in which she talks about him).Appointed NASA's first artist-in-residence.Ranked #86 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N RollStudent of Zen.Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1991Entered many local beauty pageants when she was a teenager and won the title of Junior Miss Illinois when she was 18.Attended Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.