Born in London's East End, Laurie went to the same primary school as the Krays, then worked for them at Spitalfields Market and as a bookmaker's clerk at the races after leaving school. In the 1960s he managed various clubs for the Krays, then moved into showbiz, managing Doris Stokes and organising tours for Marvin Gaye and Martha Reeves amongst others. Laurie visited the Krays constantly in prison and was a front pall-bearer with Charlie Kray at Ronnie's funeral.
