Between 1970 and 1972 Branigan attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and worked as a waitress. In 1972 she met acoustic guitarist Walker Daniels and his future wife Sharon Storm, and acoustic guitarist Chris Van Cleave, forming the folk-rock band "Meadow" In 1973 the group, with bass player Bob Valdez, released their debut album "The Friend Ship", featuring the singles "When You Were Young", and "Cane and Able", which featured the hook line "Throw away your cane and you are able". The record was not properly promoted and never re-released. The band broke up, after which Walker Daniels committed suicide. Branigan preferred not to discuss her involvement with Meadow publicly.