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{{Short description|American singer/songwriter, author and actress (born 1972)}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
| Name = Ledisi
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img = Ledisi1.jpg
| name = Ledisi
| Img_capt = Ledisi performs at honoring of Hal Jackson at the Apollo Theater on ], ] in ].
| Img_size = | alias =
| Background = solo_singer | image = Ledisi Cosmopolite 2024 (192033).jpg
| Birth_name = Ledisi Anibade Young | caption = Ledisi in 2024
| Alias = | birth_name = Ledisi Anibade Young
| Born = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|3|28}}
| Origin = ], ] | birth_place = ], Louisiana, U.S.
| Instrument = Piano | instrument = Vocals, piano
| Voice_type = ] | genre = {{flatlist|
*]
| Genre = ], ], ], ], ]
*]
| Occupation = ], ], ], ], ]
*]
| Years_active = 1995&ndash;present
| Label = ]<br>LeSun Records
| Associated_acts =
| URL =
}} }}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
*Singer
*songwriter
*actress
*author
}}
| years_active = 1990&ndash;present
| associated_acts = ]
| label = {{flatlist|
*Listen Back Entertainment
*]
*]
*LeSun Music
}}
|website=https://www.ledisi.com/
}}

'''Ledisi Anibade Young''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|d|ᵻ|s|iː}}; born March 28, 1972),<ref>{{cite web|title=The Evolution Of Ledisi|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock/2013/photos/performers/the-evolution-of-ledisi.html#!101013-shows-bgr-performer-Ledisi-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030072424/http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock/2013/photos/performers/the-evolution-of-ledisi.html#!101013-shows-bgr-performer-Ledisi-3|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 30, 2013|website=Bet.com|publisher=Black Entertainment Television|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Tillet">{{cite news |last=Tillet |first=Salamishah|author-link=Salamishah Tillet|date=July 20, 2021 |title=Nina Simone Saved Ledisi's Life. Now She's Paying Tribute on an Album |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/20/arts/music/ledisi-nina-simone.html|newspaper=]|access-date=June 7, 2024}}</ref> better known simply as '''Ledisi''', is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, author, and actress. Her name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in ].<ref name="allmusic">{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000117356|tab=biography|title=Ledisi Biography|last=Kellman|first=Andy|date=2023}}</ref>


In 1995, Ledisi formed a band after her middle name Anibade. After unsuccessfully trying to get signed to a major label, she formed LeSun Music with musician Sundra Manning. She released her debut album '']'' (2000), which featured the single "Take Time", which gained substantial airplay from San Francisco area radio stations. In 2002, Ledisi released her second album, '']'', which won "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the ] in 2003.<ref name="eastbay">. East Bay Express. Retrieved on July 18, 2024</ref> In 2006, Ledisi signed a record deal with ] and released her third album, titled '']'' (2007). The album earned her two Grammy nominations, including one for ].<ref name="grammy">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/Ledisi-Young/4081 |title=Artist: Ledisi Young|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2024 |website=Grammy.com |publisher=Recording Academy |access-date=June 8, 2024}}</ref> She released six more albums on Verve: '']'' (2008), '']'' (2009), '']'' (2011), '']'' (2014), '']'' (2015), and '']'' (2017).<ref>{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000117356|tab=discography|title=Ledisi Discography|date=2024}}</ref>
'''Ledisi Anibade Young''' ({{pronEng|ˈlɛdɨsiː}}) is a Grammy-nominated ] singer-songwriter from ]. Her first name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in ].<ref name=allmusic> at Allmusic.com</ref> Ledisi is known for her jazz influenced vocals. In 1995, Ledisi formed the group known as Anibade. When trying to get the group signed to a major label, she had no luck which result in her and Sundra Manning starting LeSun Records. Along with her group Anibade, Ledisi released an album entitled "Take Time". The album gained major airplay from local radio stations.


In 2020, Ledisi formed her own record label Listen Back Entertainment and released her album '']''. The album's single "]" won a ] at the ].<ref name="grammy"/> She released three more albums on her label including ''Ledisi Live at The Troubadour'' (2021), '']'' (2021), and '']'' (2024).
In 2000, Ledisi released her first album entitled "]". The album featured singles "]" and "Get Outta My Kitchen". Ledisi and her group toured in 2001 performing various shows.<ref name=allmusic/> In 2002, Ledisi released her sophomore "]". The album won her an award for "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the California Music Awards.


Aside from music, Ledisi has embarked a career in ] and ] as an actress. She portrayed ] icon ] in the films '']'' (2014) and '']'' (2022). Other roles include a guest appearance as ] in the ] docudrama '']'', a ] as a ] in the ] drama '']'' (both 2020), as well as co-starring as ] in the film '']'' (2023). She is also starred in her first ] original movie ''All Saints Christmas'' (2022).
In 2007, Ledisi signed a major record deal with ] and later released her third in August 2008, entitled "]". The album's lead single "Alright" charted #1 on the ]. The song also became the testiment the highlight of her career. In 2008, Ledisi released the second single "In The Morning" which debut at #49 on the ]. Later that year, Ledisi released her fourth album "]". The album spunned the singles "This Christmas" and "Children Go Where I Send Thee".


==Early life== ==Early life==
Ledisi Anibade Young was born on March 28, 1972, in ], Louisiana, to Nyra Dynese Young, a singer-songwriter in local band Coronava, and Larry Saunders, a 1970s singer and musician.<ref name="Tillet" /> Saunders departed from the family when Ledisi was a baby. Her mother remarried to a drummer named Joseph Pierce III, who adopted Ledisi after the marriage. She has an elder sister Shannon, and a younger sister.<ref>. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> Ledisi's biological paternal grandfather, ],<ref name="Tillet" /> was an American ] singer who was known for his single "]".
Ledisi grew up in a musical family; her mother sang in a Louisiana R&B band, and Ledisi first began performing at age eight with the ]. She moved to ], where she was nominated for a ] award in 1990 for her performance in a production of '']'' and performed in an extended run with the ] ] troupe, ].<ref name=allmusic/> She studied opera and piano for five years at ] in their Young Musicians Program.


Ledisi was raised ] and attended local churches in New Orleans.<ref name="oaklandpress">{{Cite web|date=2017-11-10|title=Kirk Franklin and Ledisi at the Fox, 5 Things To Know|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/kirk-franklin-and-ledisi-at-the-fox-5-things-to-know/article_86fe7859-0b58-5942-9ca5-6c6e18aea558.html|access-date=2021-08-31|website=The Oakland Press|language=en-US}}</ref> Her mother was raised ]. At the age of eight, she performed publicly with the ].<ref name="Tillet" /><ref name="allmusic"/> At age thirteen, her family relocated to ] where she went to Edna Brewer Middle School, formerly McChesney Junior High School.<ref name="Tillet" /><ref name="allmusic"/> She later enrolled in ] where she graduated in 1990.
==Musical Career==
===1995-1999: Beginnings===
In the 1990s, she formed a group called Anibade, alongside Sundra Manning (producer, keyboards, songwriting), Cedrickke Dennis (guitar), Nelson Braxton (bass), Wayne Braxton (sax), and Tommy Bradford (drums), playing a jazz and hip-hop influenced kind of soul.<ref name=allmusic/> The group won acclaim in the ], and recorded a demo, "Take Time" which scored airplay on local stations. Ledisi tried to get the group signed to a major label, but had no luck.


==Career==
===2000-2001: ''Soulsinger: The Revival''===
===1990–1999: Career beginnings===
In January 2000, Ledisi released her first album, '']'', independently on her label, LeSun Records.<ref name=allmusic/> The album spunned off two singles, ''Soulsinger'' and ''Get Outta My Kitchen''. After the release of ], Ledisi toured with her group '']''.
In 1990, she starred as the lead character Dorothy in an Antioch Community Theater production of '']'' in ].<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name= "montereyherald">. Monterey Herald. Retrieved on June 8, 2024</ref> Her performance earned a Shellie Award nomination in the same year.<ref name="allmusic"/> She also joined a ] production of ] in ].<ref name="allmusic"/> She earned a scholarship and attended the ], where she studied ] and ].<ref>. NPR. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> Ledisi was briefly part of a ] group called Slide Five.<ref>. The New Yorker. Retrieved on July 19, 2024</ref> Ledisi formed her own funk band called Anibade.<ref name="allmusic"/> The band performed around the ], building notoriety in the area.<ref name="allmusic"/> After the group failed to secure a record deal, Ledisi and keyboardist Sundra Manning formed their own label LeSun Music.<ref name="allmusic"/>


===2002-2003: ''Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue''=== ===2000–2004: ''Soulsinger'' and ''Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue''===
In 2002, Ledisi released sophomore album, '']'', which was also released independently. The album featured the singles, ''Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue'' and ''Autumn Leaves''. The album is now a collector's item. During this time she also recorded commercials for the ]. In 2003, Ledisi won "Outstanding Jazz Album" for '']'' at the California Music Awards. In 2000, Ledisi released her first album '']'', which featured the band Anibade, on LeSun Music. The album featured the single "Take Time" and received positive reviews.<ref>. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> In 2002, she released her second album '']''. The album featured jazz standards "]", "]", and "]". The album won "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the ] in 2003.<ref name="eastbay"/>


In August 2003, Ledisi and Anibade performed at the ].<ref>. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> She also released a 4-track extended play titled ''Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1''.<ref>. Discogs. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> In the same year, she reissued her first album under the title ''Soulsinger: The Revival'', distributed by ].<ref name="allmusic"/> In May 2004, Ledisi portrayed two characters, The Washing Machine and The Radio, in the ] production of '']''.<ref name="ibdb">. Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref>
===2006-2008: ''Lost & Found''===
]
During her five year hiatus, Ledisi made appearances on soundtracks. In 2007, she signed with ] and released "Blues in the Night" which featured on the tribute album, ].


===2007–2010: ''Lost & Found'' and Verve Records===
In August 2007, Ledisi's third album '']'' was released. During the time of her hiatus, Ledisi stated that she was unsure of wanting to stay within the music industry. In response, Ledisi wrote the song "Alright" to express her life.<ref></ref> Alright became the lead single and debut at #45 on the ] Hot R&B chart. The album's second single ''In The Morning'' debut at #49 on the ] Hot R&B chart.<ref></ref> Other songs from the album charted but were not released as singles. "Think of You" charted at #71 on the Hot R&B charts, "Joy" charted at #103 on the Hot R&B charts and #29 on the Adult R&B Airplay.<ref></ref><ref>Searchable database </ref>
In 2006, Ledisi secured a major record deal with ], a subsidiary of ]. Ledisi had been recording her third album '']'' prior to her record deal.<ref>. WUNC. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> The album was released on August 28, 2007.<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> ''Lost & Found'' peaked at number 10 on ]'s ] and sold over 237,000 copies in the United States.<ref name="billboard">. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref><ref name="reuters">. Reuters. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> The album's lead single "]" peaked at number 11 on the ] chart.<ref name="billboard"/>


During her tour in February 2008, she performed at the ] in New York City.<ref name= "billboardballroom">. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> She received positive feedback from critics for her emotional performance, which was described as a "religious experience".<ref name= "billboardballroom"/> In March 2008, "]" was released as the second single and peaked at number fifteen on the Adult R&B Songs chart.<ref name="billboard"/> The album earned Ledisi two nominations at the ], for ] and ].<ref name="grammy"/> She made a cameo appearance in the ] '']'' as a ] who performed the pop standard "]" in April 2008. In September 2008, she released her ] titled '']''.<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref><ref>. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref>
In December 2007 she received a ] nomination as ].<ref>Grammy.com</ref> Ledisi made an appearance in the film '']''.<ref>http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2008/ledisi-0708.html</ref> She appeared on ] soundtrack. In 2008, Ledisi continued her tour to promote the album, '']''.


Her fifth album '']'' was released in August 2009, peaking atop of the ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.<ref name="billboard"/> To promote the album, she joined with multi-cultural cosmetic brand ], with whom she ran an advertising promotion that included a brand sampler.<ref>. Billboard. June 6, 2024</ref> The album's first single "]" peaked at number forty-three on the ] chart and number fifteen on the Adult R&B Songs chart.<ref name="billboard"/> The follow-up single "]" peaked at number twenty-two on the Adult R&B Songs chart.<ref name="billboard"/> The album earned two nominations at the ], for Best R&B Album and "]" earning a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.<ref name="grammy"/>
In September 2008, Ledisi released her fourth album, '']'', which featured singles "This Christmas" and "Children Go Where I Send Thee". In December 2008, Ledisi's T.V. special aired on ] entitled, '''''Ledisi Christmas'''''. Ledisi performed a select few songs from her ]. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "Give Love On Christmas Day" charted on the Hot R&B charts at #113.


===2011–2019: ''Pieces of Me'' and subsequent releases===
] in 2011]]
In June 2011, Ledisi released her sixth album '']''. The album debuted at number eight on the ] and peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'''s R&B Albums.<ref name="billboard"/> The album's lead single "]" became one of her most successful songs on the Billboard chart, peaking at number two on the Adult R&B Songs and number nineteen on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.<ref name="billboard"/> "]" also earned a ] by the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ledisi - Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=ledisi#search_section |website=riaa.com |publisher=RIAA |access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> She headlined her first major tour called the ], which went on to play to over twenty-two sold-out shows.<ref>. Houston Press. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> The success of the album earned three nominations at the ], including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song (for the song "Pieces of Me"), and Best R&B Performance (for the song "Pieces of Me").<ref name="grammy"/> In April 2012, she headlined her second tour called the ]. In June 2012, Ledisi released her first book titled ''Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power'', on Time Home Entertainment, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2012-04-06/ledisi-announces-bgty-headline-tour-plus-new-book/|title=Ledisi Announces "BGTY" Headline Tour, Plus New Book|last=Gentles|first=Gary|date=2012-04-06|website=Singersroom.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref><ref>. CNN. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref><ref>. Barnes and Noble. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref>


Her seventh album '']'' was released in March 2014. The album spawned the top-ten ''Billboard'' Adult R&B Songs "]" and "Like This".<ref name="billboard"/> The song "Like This" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2015.<ref name="grammy"/> In April 2014, Ledisi portrayed American singer ] in the American historical drama film, '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hobdy|first1=Dominique|title=Ledisi to Play Mahalia Jackson in MLK Biopic, 'Selma'|url=http://www.essence.com/2014/04/25/ledisi-mahalia-jackson-selma-lorraine-toussaint/|access-date=February 10, 2015|work=]|date=April 25, 2014}}</ref> It is based on the 1965 ] for voting rights in Alabama, led by ], ], and ]. In the film and on the ], Ledisi performed "]". In January 2015, Ledisi released a studio live extended play titled '']''. A month later, she embarked on ].


] dedication concert in October 2011]]
In May 2017, Ledisi released a single titled "High". She released her eighth studio album titled ''Let Love Rule'' on September 22, 2017.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7882123/ledisi-new-album-title-let-love-rule-release-date|title=Ledisi Reveals New Album Title and Release Date|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref> ''Let Love Rule'' received three nominations at the ] in January 2018 including ], ] and ].<ref name="grammy"/> She won a ] at the ]. In June 2018, she performed "]" in tribute to ]. In the same year, she performed "]" in tribute to ] at ]. In October 2018, Ledisi performed "]" with ] in an NBC broadcast, '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine| last=Lenker| first=Maureen Lee| url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/10/29/the-5-best-moments-in-a-very-wicked-halloween |title=The 5 best moments in ''A Very Wicked Halloween''| magazine=Entertainment Weekly| date=October 29, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, she portrayed the Ancestor in the ] theatre production of ''Witness Uganda''.<ref name="playbill"> by Ryan McPhee, '']'', January 7, 2019. {{Retrieved|access-date=June 16, 2024}}</ref> In the same year, she co-wrote and co-produced her ] titled '']'', which sold out in nineteen shows.<ref name="berklee">. Berklee. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref>


===2020–present: ''The Wild Card'' and ''Good Life''===
In January 2020, Ledisi released her second book, ''Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey''.<ref name="Godandgigs">{{Cite web|url=https://godandgigs.com/book/dont-ever-lose-your-walk-how-to-embrace-your-journey/|title=Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace your Journey|first=Allen C.|last=Paul|website=Godandgigs.com|access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> In June 2020, Ledisi announced the title of her ninth studio album, '']''. The album was released on August 28, 2020, exactly thirteen years after her major label debut, ''Lost & Found''. ''The Wild Card'' was the first album to be released on Ledisi's independent label Listen Back Entertainment, distributed by ]. The album's lead single "]" became Ledisi's first number-one song on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart, remaining in the top position for two weeks.<ref name="billboard"/> The song also won a ] in 2021, marking her first Grammy Award win.<ref name="grammy"/> On April 30, 2021, Ledisi released a live album, ''Ledisi Live at The Troubadour''.


Having previously appeared live on August 21, 2019, at the BBC Prom 45 ''Mississippi Goddam (A Homage to Nina Simone)'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000cq69/|title=Mississippi Goddam (A Homage to Nina Simone)|website=Bbc.com}}</ref> on July 23, 2021, Ledisi released '']'', a tribute album to American singer ]. On March 1, 2023, Ledisi performed "]" with ] in honor of ] at the ] ] concert.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newsroom.loc.gov/ledisi-at-gershwin-prize/a/d16c3c36-4fc1-4538-a59e-9cfd07d4aead | title=Ledisi at Gershwin Prize|website=Newsroom.loc.gov }}</ref> In March 2024, she released her eleventh studio album '']''. The album's first single "]" became her second number-one on the US Adult R&B Songs chart.<ref name="billboard"/>


==Artistry==
===Voice and musical style===
Ledisi's voice is classified as a four-octave mezzo-soprano.<ref name="Tillet" /> She has been described as a "vocal powerhouse" and "one of the most distinctive voices of 21st century rhythm and blues".<ref>. Cincinnati Symphony. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> Music critic ] of '']'' praised her voice its "diversity and breathtaking range".<ref name="Tillet" /> Fellow musician ] commented "As a contemporary vocalist, there’s almost no one I can think of in the world that sings as skillfully as she does. In terms of her range, dexterity, clarity, versatility, she can do anything she wants. She’s one of the great singers in the world, period".<ref name="Tillet" /> She is also known for ].<ref name="Tillet" />


Her music includes various styles of musical genres such as contemporary R&B,<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> ],<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> ],<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> ],<ref name="Tillet" /> and ].<ref>. New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> Her debut album '']'' (2000) followed a contemporary R&B sound, while her second album '']'' featured a jazz sound. In an interview with '']'', Ledisi expressed wanting to be viewed as more than a R&B singer after the release of her album '']'' (2021). "I’m not your boxed R&B singer. I’m more than that. I studied classical. It just so happens that I’m loved for R&B, but my home base goes over into all these other worlds".<ref>. DownBeat. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref>


===Influences===
==Awards and nominations==
{{multiple image
*]
| total_width = 290
**2008, BET J Cool Like Dat Award (Nominated)
| align = left
| image1 = Nina Simone14.JPG
| image2 = Curtis Mayfield.png
| footer = Ledisi's major influences include ] (left) and ] (right).
}}
Ledisi names ] as her major musical influence.<ref name="Tillet" /> Ledisi recalled going through a depression and divorce during her late twenties. She even contemplated ] until hearing Simone's cover of "]" on the radio, leading Ledisi to repudiate her thoughts of suicide and revived her career.<ref name="Tillet" /><ref name="latimes"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616171400/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-12-29/salvation-dark-times-ledisi-nina-simone |date=2024-06-16 }}. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on June 15, 2024</ref> In July 2021, she released a ] titled '']'', which features popular songs written or covered by Simone. Ledisi was also heavily influenced by ].<ref name="routes">. Routes Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> On February 7, 2020, Ledisi paid homage to Mayfield doing a tribute concert alongside ] and the ].<ref name="routes"/>


Her musical influences also include ],<ref name="ebony1">. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> ],<ref name="ebony1"/> ],<ref name="ebony1"/> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2">. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 27, 2024</ref> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2"/> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2"/> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2"/> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2"/> ],<ref name="broadwayworld2"/> and ].<ref name="postnewsgroup">. Post News Group. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> Ledisi credited ]'s performance as ] in '']'' for giving her the "acting bug".<ref>. Jennifer Hudson Show. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> In an interview with '']'' magazine, Ledisi cited ] as a musical influence and that he encouraged her to leave her record label.<ref>. People. Retrieved on June 20, 2024</ref>
*]
**2008, Female Artist of the Year


==Personal life==
*California Music Awards
===Marriage===
**2003, Outstanding Jazz Album ''Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue'' (Won)
]
In the early 2000s, Ledisi was married to a man whose name was not publicly disclosed. They divorced in 2003.<ref name="Tillet" /> In 2018, she married director and actor Ronald T. Young.<ref>. Essence. Retrieved on June 6, 2024</ref> The couple appeared on the docu-series '']''.<ref>. Black Love. Retrieved on October 10, 2024</ref>


===Politics===
*]
On November 6, 2011, Ledisi performed at the ]. In March 2012, she was invited to the ] by ] ] for the Women's History Month Mentoring Series.<ref>. Essence. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> On September 4, 2012, Ledisi performed at the ]. She performed the gospel song "I Feel Like Goin' On" for the church service at ] in ] on January 21, 2013, at ] ]'s ].<ref>. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> Her song "Raise Up" from her album '']'' was included on President Obama's Campaign Playlist.<ref>. Billboard. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> On January 19, 2017, Ledisi posted a picture of Obama, thanking him for his presidential term.<ref>. Facebook. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> In June 2023, Ledisi was invited to perform during the ] at the ].<ref>. The White House. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref>
**2008, Best New Artist (Nominated)

**2008, Best R&B Album: ''Lost & Found'' (Nominated)
===Activism===
{{quote box
|quote = I was fortunate enough to get a full five-year scholarship to the young musicians’ program at UC Berkeley. The love and support of my mother and the generosity of donors for youth musical programs led me to where I am today. But not all children will have these opportunities. That is why the Recording Academy, along with the California PTA, the Actors Fund and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, are joining hundreds of school superintendents, arts advocates, business leaders, teachers, parents and students in calling on the Legislature to pass and ] to sign the Arts for Every Student Act.|source= —Ledisi<ref name="sacramentobee"/>
|align = right
|width = 50%
|border = 1px
|fontsize = 80%
}}
In September 2017, Ledisi headlined the ]'s Heroes Gala.<ref>. Los Angeles Blade. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref><ref>. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> In November 2017, Ledisi became an ambassador for the ].<ref>. The Seattle Medium. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> She stated, "I want to work with everybody that's involved that are dealing with AIDS and HIV and AIDS/HIV prevention, anything just to spread the word about that and stop all the stigmas. I'm hoping through my voice and my platform to educate people." She also met with the ] (BTAN) and the ] to express concern about the disparate number of ] with ] compared to other demographics.<ref>. Rolling Out. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref>

In August 2018, Ledisi spoke out about the importance of ]. She stood in support of the Arts for Every Student Act.<ref name="sacramentobee">. The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> The legislation bill establishes an incentive grant program for school districts to expand access to visual and performing arts instruction, including music, dance, theatre, media arts and visual arts.<ref>. Senate District 24. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> She also emphasized herself as an example of the value of arts education, and called on both the public and lawmakers to support the bill.<ref>. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> The legislation was signed by ].

In 2021, she was elected president of the ].<ref>. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> In 2022, Ledisi became a professor and first ] at ], starting at the academic year of 2022–2023.<ref>. Berklee College of Music. Retrieved on March 15, 2024</ref><ref>. Vibe. Retrieved on June 15, 2024</ref><ref>. Billboard. Retrieved on June 15, 2024</ref> Under Berklee's Jazz and Gender Justice Program, she educated academic students and created workshops.<ref>. Bay State Banner. Retrieved on June 15, 2024</ref>

==Awards and achievements==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Ledisi}}
Ledisi has earned an array of awards, honors, and nominations. These include one ]<ref name="grammy"/> and two ].<ref>. CNN. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref><ref>. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> She has been the honorary musical receiptant of ],<ref>. Americans for the Arts. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> EmpowHer,<ref> (see page 12). Issuu. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> and Los Angeles Jazz Society.<ref>. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref> In December 2018, she was honored by the ] for her work and advocacy.<ref>. Out Magazine. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> In August 2021, she became an honorary member of ] sorority.<ref name="berklee"/> In May 2024, she received an ] from the ].<ref>. Berklee. Retrieved on June 7, 2024</ref>

==Business and ventures==
===LeSun Music and Listen Back Entertainment===
In 1999, Ledisi co-founded the ] LeSun Music with musician Sundra Manning.<ref name="allmusic"/> The name is derived from the first names of Ledisi and Sundra. The record label distributed a total of three albums: '']'' (2000), '']'', '']'' (2003), and reissue edition titled ''Soulsinger: The Revival'' (2003). The label became defunct in 2006. In January 2019, Ledisi founded another independent record label called Listen Back Entertainment.<ref name="allmusic"/> The label's distributor is ]. The company has distributed Ledisi's albums including '']'' (2020), ''Ledisi Live at the Troubadour'' (2021), '']'' (2021), and '']'' (2024).<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref>

===Production companies===
In 2014, Ledisi founded a production company called Ledhead Productions.<ref>. Justia Trademarks. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> In September 2016, Ledisi started another production company called Fig Street Films. In 2019, the company produced '']'', a stage production about the lives of Ledisi and ].<ref name="broadwayworld1">. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> On November 28, 2020, Fig Street Films produced live concert special titled ''Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone'',<ref>. KPBS. Retrieved on June 18, 2024</ref> which aired on American television network ].<ref name="pbs"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209112416/https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/ledisi-live-tribute-nina-simone/special/ledisi-live-tribute-nina-simone-secwzh |date=2021-12-09 }}. PBS. Retrieved on June 15, 2024</ref> In 2020, Ledisi co-founded Chinweya Publishing Company. The company published Ledisi's second book ''Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey'', which was released in January 2020.<ref name="Godandgigs"/>


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{Main|Ledisi discography}}
===Albums===
'''Studio albums'''
{|class="wikitable"
*'']'' (2000)
!rowspan="2"|Year
*'']'' (2002)
!rowspan="2"|Album
*'']'' (2007)
!colspan="2"|Peak positions
*'']'' (2008)
!align="center" rowspan="2"|Sales and certifications
*'']'' (2009)
|-
*'']'' (2011)
!width="40"|<small>]</small>
*'']'' (2014)
!width="40"|<small>]</small>
*'']'' (2017)
|-
*'']'' (2020)
|2000
|'']'' <small> *'']'' (2021)
*1st ] *'']'' (2024)
*Released: ], ]</small>
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|-
|<small>
* U.S. Sales: N/A
|-
|2002
|'']'' <small>
*2nd studio album
*Released: ], ]</small>
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|-
|<small>
* U.S. Sales: N/A
|-
|2007
|'']'' <small>
*3rd studio album
*Released: ], ]</small>
|align="center"|78
|align="center"|10
|<small>
* U.S. Sales: N/A
|-
|2008
|'']'' <small>
*4th studio album
*Released: ], ]</small>
|align="center"|-
|align="center"|28
|<small>
* U.S. Sales: N/A
|}


===With Anibade=== ==Tours==
{{col-begin}}
* ''Take Time''<ref></ref>
{{col-2}}
* '']''<ref></ref>
'''Headlining tours'''
* ] (2011)
* ] (2012)
* ] (2014)
* ] (2015)
* ] (2018)
* Ledisi Live UK Tour (2019)
* ] (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soulbounce.com/2019/04/ledisi-looks-ahead-to-concert-tour-with-special-nina-and-me-shows/ |title=Ledisi Looks Ahead to Concert Tour with Special 'Nina and Me' Shows|website=Soulbounce.com |date=30 April 2019 }}</ref>
* ] (2021)
* ] (2021–2023)
* ] (2024)


'''Co-headlining tours'''
==Singles==
* The Rebel, The Soul & The Saint Tour (2017; with ])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://church-and-fashion.com/2017/09/05/the-rebel-the-soul-the-saint-tour/|title=The Rebel, The Soul & The Saint Tour|date=2017-09-05|website=Church-and-fashion.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
* The Soul II Soul Tour (2023; with ])
!rowspan="2"|Year
{{col-2}}
!rowspan="2"|Title
'''Residencies'''
!colspan="2"|Chart positions
* ] (2019)
!rowspan="2"|Album
|-
!width="50"|<small>]</small>
!width="50"|<small>]</small>
|-
|align="left" rowspan="2"|2000
|"Soulsinger"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|rowspan="2"|<center>''Soulsinger: The Revival''
|-
|"Get Outta My Kitchen"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left" rowspan="2"|2002
|"Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|rowspan="2"|<center>''Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue''
|-
|"Autumn Leaves"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left" rowspan="1"|2007
|"Alright"
|align="center"|45
|align="center"|13
|rowspan="4"|<center>''Lost & Found''
|-
|align="left" rowspan="7"|2008
|"In The Morning"
|align="center"|49
|align="center"|26
|-
|"Think of You"
|align="center"|74
|align="center"|—
|-
|"Joy"
|align="center"|103
|align="center"|29
|-
|"This Christmas (Could Be the One)"
|align="center"|112
|align="center"|—
|rowspan="4"|<center>''It's Christmas''
|-
|"Children Go Where I Send Thee"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
|align="center"|113
|align="center"|—
|-
|"Give Love on Christmas Day"
|align="center"|113
|align="center"|—
|-
|}


'''Opening act'''
==Other Appearances==
* Intimacy Tour (Kem) (2011)
The reference for all tracks listed below can be found .<ref>http://www.discogs.com/artist/Ledisi</ref>
{{col-end}}

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|+Key
| style="background:#FFFFCC;" | {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
|Denotes films that have not yet been released
|- |-
|}
! Year
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
! Song
! Artist
! Album
! Label
|- |-
! scope="col" | Year
| 2008
! scope="col" | Title
|"The World Keeps Going Around"
! scope="col" | Role
|]
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|Bringing Back the Funk
|GRP
|- |-
| 2008 | 2008
| ''Leatherheads''
|"Alright"
| Blues Singer
|Ledisi
|
|Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns
|]
|- |-
| 2008 | 2011
| ''Leave It on the Floor''
|"Waters of March"
| Princess' Mother
| ] featuring Ledisi
|
|Encanto
|]
|- |-
| 2007 | 2014
| '']''
|"Blues in the Night"
| ]
|Ledisi
|
|'']''
|]
|- |-
| 2007 | 2016
| ''The Tale Of Four''
| "Devotion"
| Aunt Sara
| Ledisi
| Short
|''Interpretations: Celebrating the<br/> Music of Earth, Wind, & Fire''
| ]
|- |-
|rowspan=2| 2021
|2007
| ''Twice Bitten''
|"To Love Again"
| Jessica
|] featuring Ledisi
|
|''Love Stories''
|Chamber Music
|- |-
| '']''
|2006
| Ann Walker
|"I Can't Let You Go"
|
|] featuring Ledisi
|''Everyday People Project''
|Expansion UK
|- |-
|rowspah=2| 2022
|2005
|'']''
|"The Rain"
| ]
|Ledisi & various artists
|
|''Def Jazz''
|GRP Records
|- |-
|rowspan=1| 2023
|2005
| '']''
|"My Sensitivity" (f/Boney James)
| ]
|Ledisi & various artists
|
|''Forever, For Always, For Luther
|GRP / Verve
|- |-
|rowspan=1| TBA
|2005
|style="background:#FFFFCC;"| ''Verona''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/jamie-ward-rebel-wilson-jason-isaacs-verona-romeo-and-juliet-musical-1235247916/|title='Verona': Jamie Ward, Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Clara Rugaard & More Set For Voltage Timothy Scott Bogart 'Romeo & Juliet' Pop Musical – EFM|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=]|date=February 2, 2023}}</ref> {{dagger|alt=Not yet released}}
|"White Boys"
| Vesante
|Ledisi/Brandi Chavonne Massey/Shayna Steele
| Post-production
|''Hair - Actor's Fund of America Benefit Recording''
|}
|Ghostlight

===Television===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|- |-
! scope="col" | Year
|2005
! scope="col" | Title
|"World of Vibrations"
! scope="col" | Role
|Ledisi
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|'']'' - ]
|]
|- |-
| 2020
|2004
| '']''
|"Thinkin' 'Bout Me"
| ]
|] featuring Ledisi
| Episode: "1975"
|''Pure''
|]
|- |-
| 2021
|2004
| '']''
|"Scat World"
| Angela
|] featuring Ledisi
| Episode: "Take Me to Church"
|''Smooth Sailing''
|Encoded Music
|- |-
| 2022
|2004
| ''All Saints Christmas''
|"So Right"
| Lissette
|Ledisi
| Television film (Hallmark)
|''Soul Satisfaction: A collection of Nu-Soul Gems''
|}
|]

==Theatre and musical==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of acting performances in theatre
|- |-
! scope="col" | Year
|2004
! scope="col" | Title
|"NST"
! scope="col" | Role
|Robby Young featuring Ledisi
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|''The Love of Love''
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Source
|Artist One-Stop
|- |-
| 1990
|2004
! scope="row" | '']''
|"Don't Stop"
| Dorothy
|Maroons by Lateef and the Chief featuring Ledisi
| Lead role; Antioch Community Theater production
|''Maroons: Ambush''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref name="allmusic"/><ref name= "montereyherald"/></div>
|Quantum Projects
|- |-
| 1990–2001
|2003
! scope="row" | '']''
|"Different Times"
| Performer
|] featuring Ledisi
| Supporting role; National Tour
|''Live: All Hits at the House of Blues''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref name="allmusic"/><ref>. SF Gate. Retrieved on June 8, 2024</ref></div>
|]
|- |-
| 2004
|2003
! scope="row" | '']''
|I Want'cha Babe"
| The Washing Machine, The Radio
|Ledisi
| Supporting role; ]
|''New Sirens of Song-Sultry Singer''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref name="ibdb"/></div>
|]
|-
|2003
|Whatcha Gonna Do"
|Frank McComb
|''The Truth''
|]
|-
|2002
|"Better Than Nothing"
|Braxton Brothers featuring Ledisi
|''Both Sides''
|]
|- |-
| 2008
|2001
! scope="row" | '']''
|"Going Back to New Orleans"
| Asaka
|] featuring Ledisi
| Supporting role; ]
|''Latin Spirits''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref>. Playbill. Retrieved on July 3, 2024</ref></div>
|]
|- |-
| 2019
|2001
! scope="row" | '']''
|"I've Got It, & Good Lovin"
| Rain Lady, Ancestor
|Ledisi
| Supporting role; ]
|''Organic Soul''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref name="playbill"/></div>
|]
|- |-
| 2021
|2000
! scope="row" | '']''
|"Negros"
| Sonja
|] featuring Ledisi
| Supporting role; ]
|''Bembon''
| <div style="text-align: center;"><ref>. New York Daily News. Retrieved on June 17, 2024</ref></div>
|]
|- |-
|2000
|"NST"
|] featuring Ledisi
|''Soundscapes: Live from London''
|]
|-
| 1999
| "NST"
| ]
|'']''
| ]
|-
|1999
|Breaking it Down (Jay's Naked Music)
|]
|''Nude Dimensions:Naked Music Vol.1-The Petal Pusher Session''
|]
|-
|1995
|"NST"
|] featuring Ledisi
|''Canto D'Alma''
|]
|} |}

==Bibliography==
* ''Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power'' (2012)
* ''Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey'' (2020)


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* * {{Official website|https://www.ledisi.com/}}
* {{IBDB name|id=380502|name=Ledisi}}
*
* {{IMDb name|2958434|Ledisi}}
*

{{Ledisi|state=autocollapse}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 08:58, 24 December 2024

American singer/songwriter, author and actress (born 1972)

Ledisi
Ledisi in 2024Ledisi in 2024
Background information
Birth nameLedisi Anibade Young
Born (1972-03-28) March 28, 1972 (age 52)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
  • author
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano
Years active1990–present
Labels
  • Listen Back Entertainment
  • BMG
  • Verve
  • LeSun Music
Websitehttps://www.ledisi.com/
Musical artist

Ledisi Anibade Young (/ˈlɛdɪsiː/; born March 28, 1972), better known simply as Ledisi, is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, author, and actress. Her name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba.

In 1995, Ledisi formed a band after her middle name Anibade. After unsuccessfully trying to get signed to a major label, she formed LeSun Music with musician Sundra Manning. She released her debut album Soulsinger (2000), which featured the single "Take Time", which gained substantial airplay from San Francisco area radio stations. In 2002, Ledisi released her second album, Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue, which won "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the California Music Awards in 2003. In 2006, Ledisi signed a record deal with Verve Forecast and released her third album, titled Lost & Found (2007). The album earned her two Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist. She released six more albums on Verve: It's Christmas (2008), Turn Me Loose (2009), Pieces of Me (2011), The Truth (2014), The Intimate Truth (2015), and Let Love Rule (2017).

In 2020, Ledisi formed her own record label Listen Back Entertainment and released her album The Wild Card. The album's single "Anything for You" won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. She released three more albums on her label including Ledisi Live at The Troubadour (2021), Ledisi Sings Nina (2021), and Good Life (2024).

Aside from music, Ledisi has embarked a career in film and television as an actress. She portrayed gospel icon Mahalia Jackson in the films Selma (2014) and Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022). Other roles include a guest appearance as Patti LaBelle in the BET docudrama American Soul, a cameo appearance as a choir member in the FX drama Pose (both 2020), as well as co-starring as Gladys Knight in the film Spinning Gold (2023). She is also starred in her first Hallmark original movie All Saints Christmas (2022).

Early life

Ledisi Anibade Young was born on March 28, 1972, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Nyra Dynese Young, a singer-songwriter in local band Coronava, and Larry Saunders, a 1970s singer and musician. Saunders departed from the family when Ledisi was a baby. Her mother remarried to a drummer named Joseph Pierce III, who adopted Ledisi after the marriage. She has an elder sister Shannon, and a younger sister. Ledisi's biological paternal grandfather, Johnny Ace, was an American blues singer who was known for his single "Pledging My Love".

Ledisi was raised Catholic and attended local churches in New Orleans. Her mother was raised Baptist. At the age of eight, she performed publicly with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. At age thirteen, her family relocated to Oakland, California where she went to Edna Brewer Middle School, formerly McChesney Junior High School. She later enrolled in Skyline High School where she graduated in 1990.

Career

1990–1999: Career beginnings

In 1990, she starred as the lead character Dorothy in an Antioch Community Theater production of The Wiz in Antioch, California. Her performance earned a Shellie Award nomination in the same year. She also joined a cabaret production of Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco. She earned a scholarship and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied piano and opera. Ledisi was briefly part of a acid jazz group called Slide Five. Ledisi formed her own funk band called Anibade. The band performed around the San Francisco Bay Area, building notoriety in the area. After the group failed to secure a record deal, Ledisi and keyboardist Sundra Manning formed their own label LeSun Music.

2000–2004: Soulsinger and Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue

In 2000, Ledisi released her first album Soulsinger, which featured the band Anibade, on LeSun Music. The album featured the single "Take Time" and received positive reviews. In 2002, she released her second album Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue. The album featured jazz standards "'Round Midnight", "In a Sentimental Mood", and "Autumn Leaves (Les feuilles mortes)". The album won "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the California Music Awards in 2003.

In August 2003, Ledisi and Anibade performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival. She also released a 4-track extended play titled Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1. In the same year, she reissued her first album under the title Soulsinger: The Revival, distributed by Tommy Boy Records. In May 2004, Ledisi portrayed two characters, The Washing Machine and The Radio, in the Broadway production of Caroline, or Change.

2007–2010: Lost & Found and Verve Records

In 2006, Ledisi secured a major record deal with Verve Forecast, a subsidiary of Verve Records. Ledisi had been recording her third album Lost & Found prior to her record deal. The album was released on August 28, 2007. Lost & Found peaked at number 10 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and sold over 237,000 copies in the United States. The album's lead single "Alright" peaked at number 11 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.

During her tour in February 2008, she performed at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. She received positive feedback from critics for her emotional performance, which was described as a "religious experience". In March 2008, "In the Morning" was released as the second single and peaked at number fifteen on the Adult R&B Songs chart. The album earned Ledisi two nominations at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, for Best R&B Album and Best New Artist. She made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Leatherheads as a blues singer who performed the pop standard "The Man I Love" in April 2008. In September 2008, she released her Christmas album titled It's Christmas.

Her fifth album Turn Me Loose was released in August 2009, peaking atop of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. To promote the album, she joined with multi-cultural cosmetic brand Carol's Daughter, with whom she ran an advertising promotion that included a brand sampler. The album's first single "Goin' Thru Changes" peaked at number forty-three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number fifteen on the Adult R&B Songs chart. The follow-up single "Higher Than This" peaked at number twenty-two on the Adult R&B Songs chart. The album earned two nominations at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, for Best R&B Album and "Goin' Thru Changes" earning a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

2011–2019: Pieces of Me and subsequent releases

Ledisi performing at Walmart Soundcheck in 2011

In June 2011, Ledisi released her sixth album Pieces of Me. The album debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number two on the Billboard's R&B Albums. The album's lead single "Pieces of Me" became one of her most successful songs on the Billboard chart, peaking at number two on the Adult R&B Songs and number nineteen on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Pieces of Me" also earned a gold certification by the RIAA. She headlined her first major tour called the Pieces of Me Tour, which went on to play to over twenty-two sold-out shows. The success of the album earned three nominations at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song (for the song "Pieces of Me"), and Best R&B Performance (for the song "Pieces of Me"). In April 2012, she headlined her second tour called the B.G.T.Y. Tour. In June 2012, Ledisi released her first book titled Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power, on Time Home Entertainment, Inc.

Her seventh album The Truth was released in March 2014. The album spawned the top-ten Billboard Adult R&B Songs "I Blame You" and "Like This". The song "Like This" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2015. In April 2014, Ledisi portrayed American singer Mahalia Jackson in the American historical drama film, Selma. It is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights in Alabama, led by James Bevel, Martin Luther King Jr., and Hosea Williams. In the film and on the film's soundtrack, Ledisi performed "Take My Hand, Precious Lord". In January 2015, Ledisi released a studio live extended play titled The Intimate Truth. A month later, she embarked on The Intimate Truth Tour.

Ledisi performing at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication concert in October 2011

In May 2017, Ledisi released a single titled "High". She released her eighth studio album titled Let Love Rule on September 22, 2017. Let Love Rule received three nominations at the 60th Grammy Awards in January 2018 including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance and Best Traditional R&B Performance. She won a Soul Train Certified Award at the 2018 Soul Train Music Awards. In June 2018, she performed "Sweet Love" in tribute to Anita Baker. In the same year, she performed "Ain't No Way" in tribute to Aretha Franklin at Black Girls Rock!. In October 2018, Ledisi performed "As Long as You're Mine" with Adam Lambert in an NBC broadcast, A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway. In 2019, she portrayed the Ancestor in the Off-Broadway theatre production of Witness Uganda. In the same year, she co-wrote and co-produced her residency show titled Ledisi: The Legend of Little Girl Blue, which sold out in nineteen shows.

2020–present: The Wild Card and Good Life

In January 2020, Ledisi released her second book, Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey. In June 2020, Ledisi announced the title of her ninth studio album, The Wild Card. The album was released on August 28, 2020, exactly thirteen years after her major label debut, Lost & Found. The Wild Card was the first album to be released on Ledisi's independent label Listen Back Entertainment, distributed by BMG. The album's lead single "Anything for You" became Ledisi's first number-one song on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart, remaining in the top position for two weeks. The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2021, marking her first Grammy Award win. On April 30, 2021, Ledisi released a live album, Ledisi Live at The Troubadour.

Having previously appeared live on August 21, 2019, at the BBC Prom 45 Mississippi Goddam (A Homage to Nina Simone), on July 23, 2021, Ledisi released Ledisi Sings Nina, a tribute album to American singer Nina Simone. On March 1, 2023, Ledisi performed "River" with Herbie Hancock in honor of Joni Mitchell at the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize concert. In March 2024, she released her eleventh studio album Good Life. The album's first single "I Need to Know" became her second number-one on the US Adult R&B Songs chart.

Artistry

Voice and musical style

Ledisi's voice is classified as a four-octave mezzo-soprano. She has been described as a "vocal powerhouse" and "one of the most distinctive voices of 21st century rhythm and blues". Music critic Salamishah Tillet of The New York Times praised her voice its "diversity and breathtaking range". Fellow musician John Legend commented "As a contemporary vocalist, there’s almost no one I can think of in the world that sings as skillfully as she does. In terms of her range, dexterity, clarity, versatility, she can do anything she wants. She’s one of the great singers in the world, period". She is also known for scatting.

Her music includes various styles of musical genres such as contemporary R&B, jazz, funk, pop, and soul. Her debut album Soulsinger (2000) followed a contemporary R&B sound, while her second album Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue featured a jazz sound. In an interview with DownBeat, Ledisi expressed wanting to be viewed as more than a R&B singer after the release of her album Ledisi Sings Nina (2021). "I’m not your boxed R&B singer. I’m more than that. I studied classical. It just so happens that I’m loved for R&B, but my home base goes over into all these other worlds".

Influences

Ledisi's major influences include Nina Simone (left) and Curtis Mayfield (right).

Ledisi names Nina Simone as her major musical influence. Ledisi recalled going through a depression and divorce during her late twenties. She even contemplated suicide until hearing Simone's cover of "Trouble in Mind" on the radio, leading Ledisi to repudiate her thoughts of suicide and revived her career. In July 2021, she released a tribute album titled Ledisi Sings Nina, which features popular songs written or covered by Simone. Ledisi was also heavily influenced by Curtis Mayfield. On February 7, 2020, Ledisi paid homage to Mayfield doing a tribute concert alongside Bilal and the WDR Big Band.

Her musical influences also include Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Deniece Williams, Leontyne Price, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Patsy Cline, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Stevie Wonder. Ledisi credited Diana Ross's performance as Dorothy Gale in The Wiz for giving her the "acting bug". In an interview with People magazine, Ledisi cited Prince as a musical influence and that he encouraged her to leave her record label.

Personal life

Marriage

Ledisi performing at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, D.C. in 2023

In the early 2000s, Ledisi was married to a man whose name was not publicly disclosed. They divorced in 2003. In 2018, she married director and actor Ronald T. Young. The couple appeared on the docu-series Black Love.

Politics

On November 6, 2011, Ledisi performed at the Obama 2012 Fundraiser. In March 2012, she was invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama for the Women's History Month Mentoring Series. On September 4, 2012, Ledisi performed at the Democratic National Convention. She performed the gospel song "I Feel Like Goin' On" for the church service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2013, at President Barack Obama's 2013 presidential pre-inauguration. Her song "Raise Up" from her album Pieces of Me was included on President Obama's Campaign Playlist. On January 19, 2017, Ledisi posted a picture of Obama, thanking him for his presidential term. In June 2023, Ledisi was invited to perform during the Juneteenth Concert at the South Lawn.

Activism

I was fortunate enough to get a full five-year scholarship to the young musicians’ program at UC Berkeley. The love and support of my mother and the generosity of donors for youth musical programs led me to where I am today. But not all children will have these opportunities. That is why the Recording Academy, along with the California PTA, the Actors Fund and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, are joining hundreds of school superintendents, arts advocates, business leaders, teachers, parents and students in calling on the Legislature to pass and Gov. Jerry Brown to sign the Arts for Every Student Act.

—Ledisi

In September 2017, Ledisi headlined the Black AIDS Institute's Heroes Gala. In November 2017, Ledisi became an ambassador for the Black AIDS Institute. She stated, "I want to work with everybody that's involved that are dealing with AIDS and HIV and AIDS/HIV prevention, anything just to spread the word about that and stop all the stigmas. I'm hoping through my voice and my platform to educate people." She also met with the Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) and the Detroit Health Department to express concern about the disparate number of African American women with HIV compared to other demographics.

In August 2018, Ledisi spoke out about the importance of music education. She stood in support of the Arts for Every Student Act. The legislation bill establishes an incentive grant program for school districts to expand access to visual and performing arts instruction, including music, dance, theatre, media arts and visual arts. She also emphasized herself as an example of the value of arts education, and called on both the public and lawmakers to support the bill. The legislation was signed by Senator Ben Allen.

In 2021, she was elected president of the Los Angeles Chapter. In 2022, Ledisi became a professor and first artist-in-residence at Berklee College of Music, starting at the academic year of 2022–2023. Under Berklee's Jazz and Gender Justice Program, she educated academic students and created workshops.

Awards and achievements

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Ledisi

Ledisi has earned an array of awards, honors, and nominations. These include one Grammy Award and two Soul Train Music Awards. She has been the honorary musical receiptant of Americans for the Arts, EmpowHer, and Los Angeles Jazz Society. In December 2018, she was honored by the Black AIDS Institute for her work and advocacy. In August 2021, she became an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. In May 2024, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Berklee College of Music.

Business and ventures

LeSun Music and Listen Back Entertainment

In 1999, Ledisi co-founded the independent record label LeSun Music with musician Sundra Manning. The name is derived from the first names of Ledisi and Sundra. The record label distributed a total of three albums: Soulsinger (2000), Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue, Ledisi and Anibade Live Recordings Vol. 1 (2003), and reissue edition titled Soulsinger: The Revival (2003). The label became defunct in 2006. In January 2019, Ledisi founded another independent record label called Listen Back Entertainment. The label's distributor is BMG Rights Management. The company has distributed Ledisi's albums including The Wild Card (2020), Ledisi Live at the Troubadour (2021), Ledisi Sings Nina (2021), and Good Life (2024).

Production companies

In 2014, Ledisi founded a production company called Ledhead Productions. In September 2016, Ledisi started another production company called Fig Street Films. In 2019, the company produced Ledisi: The Legend of Little Girl Blue, a stage production about the lives of Ledisi and Nina Simone. On November 28, 2020, Fig Street Films produced live concert special titled Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone, which aired on American television network PBS. In 2020, Ledisi co-founded Chinweya Publishing Company. The company published Ledisi's second book Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey, which was released in January 2020.

Discography

Main article: Ledisi discography

Studio albums

Tours

Headlining tours

Co-headlining tours

  • The Rebel, The Soul & The Saint Tour (2017; with Kirk Franklin)
  • The Soul II Soul Tour (2023; with Kem)

Residencies

Opening act

  • Intimacy Tour (Kem) (2011)

Filmography

Film

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes
2008 Leatherheads Blues Singer
2011 Leave It on the Floor Princess' Mother
2014 Selma Mahalia Jackson
2016 The Tale Of Four Aunt Sara Short
2021 Twice Bitten Jessica
B-Boy Blues Ann Walker
2022 Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story Mahalia Jackson
2023 Spinning Gold Gladys Knight
TBA Verona † Vesante Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2020 American Soul Patti LaBelle Episode: "1975"
2021 Pose Angela Episode: "Take Me to Church"
2022 All Saints Christmas Lissette Television film (Hallmark)

Theatre and musical

List of acting performances in theatre
Year Title Role Notes Source
1990 The Wiz Dorothy Lead role; Antioch Community Theater production
1990–2001 Beach Blanket Babylon Performer Supporting role; National Tour
2004 Caroline, or Change The Washing Machine, The Radio Supporting role; Broadway
2008 Once on This Island Asaka Supporting role; Reprise Theatre Company
2019 Witness Uganda Rain Lady, Ancestor Supporting role; Off-Broadway
2021 The Life Sonja Supporting role; Broadway

Bibliography

  • Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power (2012)
  • Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey (2020)

References

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  2. ^ Tillet, Salamishah (July 20, 2021). "Nina Simone Saved Ledisi's Life. Now She's Paying Tribute on an Album". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  3. ^ Kellman, Andy. Ledisi Biography at AllMusic
  4. ^ Keepin’ the Booty Big. East Bay Express. Retrieved on July 18, 2024
  5. ^ "Artist: Ledisi Young". Grammy.com. Recording Academy. 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  6. Ledisi Discography at AllMusic
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  8. "Kirk Franklin and Ledisi at the Fox, 5 Things To Know". The Oakland Press. November 10, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  9. ^ Beth Peerless, Where it's at: Ledisi returns to Jazz Fest lineup. Monterey Herald. Retrieved on June 8, 2024
  10. Ledisi: A Singer's Second Life. NPR. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
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  48. Ledisi Got the Acting Bug from Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson Show. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
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  51. Meet the Couples of ‘Black Love’ Season 5: Ledisi & Ron. Black Love. Retrieved on October 10, 2024
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  53. Obama starts inauguration day with visit to church. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  54. President Obama’s Campaign Playlist: The 5 Biggest Surprises. Billboard. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
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  56. White House Announces Juneteenth Concert. The White House. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
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  60. Black AIDS Institute Launches Bold Vision For The Future. The Seattle Medium. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
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  72. PATHMAKER ICON AWARDS GALA PROGRAM JOURNAL (see page 12). Issuu. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  73. Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Annual Tribute Concert & Awards at The Montalbán. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  74. Billy Porter: George H.W. Bush 'was one of the worst culprits'. Out Magazine. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
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  83. D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 2, 2023). "'Verona': Jamie Ward, Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Clara Rugaard & More Set For Voltage Timothy Scott Bogart 'Romeo & Juliet' Pop Musical – EFM". Deadline Hollywood.
  84. At long last, Ledisi hits a high note. SF Gate. Retrieved on June 8, 2024
  85. Cason, Clark, Ledisi, Nager, Roberts to Star in Reprise's Once on This Island. Playbill. Retrieved on July 3, 2024
  86. Grammy winner Ledisi to star in Billy Porter’s City Center Encores! revival of ‘The Life’. New York Daily News. Retrieved on June 17, 2024

External links

Ledisi
Studio albums
Live albums
Soundtrack albums
Singles
Concert tours
Concert residencies
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