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Ledisi

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Ledisi
Ledisi in 2024
Ledisi 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/

Ledisi Anibade Young (/ˈlɛdɪsiː/; born March 28, 1972),[1][2] 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.[3]

In 1995, Ledisi formed a band after her middle name Anibade. After unsuccessfully trying to get signed to a major label, she formed LeSun Records with 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.[4] 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.[5] 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).[6]

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.[5] 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 1970's singer and musician.[2] 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.[7] Ledisi's biological paternal grandfather, Johnny Ace,[2] 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.[8] Her mother was raised Baptist. At the age of eight, she performed publicly with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra.[2][3] At age thirteen, her family relocated to Oakland, California where she went to Edna Brewer Middle School, formerly McChesney Junior High School.[2][3] 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 a Antioch Community Theater production of The Wiz in Antioch, California.[3][9] Her performance earned a Shellie Award nomination in the same year.[3] She also joined a cabaret production of Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco.[3] She earned a scholarship and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied piano and opera.[10] Ledisi formed her own funk band called Anibade.[3] The band performed around the San Francisco Bay Area, building notoriety in the area.[3] After the group failed to secure a record deal, Ledisi and keyboardist Sundra Manning formed their own label LeSun Music.[3]

2000–2004: Soulsinger and Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue

In 2000, Ledisi released her first album Soulsinger, which featured the band Anibade, on LeSun Records. The album featured the single "Take Time" and received positive reviews.[11] 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.[4]

In August 2003, Ledisi and Anibade performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival.[12] She also released a 4-track extended play titled Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1.[13] In the same year, she reissued her first album under the title Soulsinger: The Revival, distributed by Tommy Boy Records.[3] In May 2004, Ledisi portrayed two characters, The Washing Machine and The Radio, in the Broadway production of Caroline, or Change.[14]

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.[15] The album was released on August 28, 2007.[16] Lost & Found peaked at number 10 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and sold over 237,000 copies in the United States.[17][18] The album's lead single "Alright" peaked at number 13 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[17]

During her tour in February 2018, she performed at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.[19] She received positive feedback from critics for her emotional performance, which was described as a "religious experience".[19] In March 2008, "In the Morning" was released as the second single and peaked at number twenty-six on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[17] The album earned Ledisi two nominations at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, for Best R&B Album and Best New Artist.[5] 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.[20][21]

Her fifth album Turn Me Loose was released in August 2009, peaking atop of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[17] To promote the album, she joined with multi-cultural beauty brand Carol's Daughter, with whom she ran an advertising promotion that included a brand sampler.[22] 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.[17] The follow-up single "Higher Than This" peaked at number twenty-two on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[17] 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.[5]

2011–2019: Pieces of Me and subsequent releases

Ledisi performing at Walmart Soundcheck. (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.[17] 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.[17] She headlined her first major tour called the Pieces of Me Tour, which went on to play to over twenty-two sold-out shows.[23] 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").[5] 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.[24][25][26]

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".[17] The song "Like This" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2015.[5] In April 2014, Ledisi portrayed American singer Mahalia Jackson in the American historical drama film, Selma.[27] 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 (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.[28] 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.[5] 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.[29] In 2019, she portrayed the Ancestor in the Off-Broadway theatre production of Witness Uganda.[30] 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.[31]

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.[32] 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.[17] The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2021, marking her first Grammy Award win.[5] 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),[33] 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.[34] In March 2024, she released her eleventh studio album Good Life.

Artistry

Voice and musical style

Ledisi's voice is classified as a four-octave mezzo-soprano.[2] She has been described as a "vocal powerhouse" and "one of the most distinctive voices of 21st century rhythm and blues".[35] Music critic Salamishah Tillet of The New York Times praised her voice its "diversity and breathtaking range".[2] 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".[2] She is also known for scatting.[2]

Her music includes various styles of musical genres such as contemporary R&B,[36] jazz,[37] funk,[38] pop,[2] and soul.[39] 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".[40]

Influences

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

Ledisi names Nina Simone as her major musical influence.[2] 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 repudiate her thoughts of suicide and revived her career.[2][41] 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.[42] On February 7, 2020, Ledisi paid homage to Mayfield doing a tribute concert alongside Bilal and the WDR Big Band.[42]

Her musical influences include Chaka Khan,[43] Patti LaBelle,[43] Deniece Williams,[43], Leontyne Price,[44] Dinah Washington,[44] Aretha Franklin,[44] Patsy Cline,[44] Sarah Vaughn,[44] Ella Fitzgerald,[44] and Stevie Wonder.[45] Ledisi credited Diana Ross's performance as Dorothy Gale in The Wiz for giving her the "acting bug".[46] In an interview with People magazine, Ledisi cited Prince as a musical influence and that he encouraged her to leave her record label.[47]

Personal life

Marriage

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

In the early 2000s, Ledisi was married to man whose name was not publicly disclosed. They divorced in 2003.[2] In 2018, she married director and actor Ronald T. Young.[48]

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.[49] 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.[50] Her song "Raise Up" from her album Pieces of Me was included on President Obama's Campaign Playlist.[51] On January 19, 2017, Ledisi posted a picture of Obama, thanking him for his presidential term.[52] In June 2023, Ledisi was invited to perform during the Juneteenth Concert at the South Lawn.[53]

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[54]

In September 2017, Ledisi headlined the Black AIDS Institute's Heroes Gala.[55][56] In November 2017, Ledisi became an ambassador for the Black AIDS Institute.[57] 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.[58]

In August 2018, Ledisi spoke out about the importance of music education. She stood in support of the Arts for Every Student Act.[54] 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.[59] 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.[60] The legislation was signed by Senator Ben Allen.

In 2021, she was elected president of the Los Angeles Chapter.[61] In 2022, Ledisi became a professor and first artist-in-residence at Berklee College of Music, starting at the academic year of 2022-2023.[62][63][64] Under Berklee's Jazz and Gender Justice Program, she educated academic students and created workshops.[65]

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[5] and two Soul Train Music Awards.[66][67] She has been the honorary musical receiptant of Americans for the Arts,[68] EmpowHer,[69] and Los Angeles Jazz Society.[70] In December 2018, she was honored by the Black AIDS Institute for her work and advocacy.[71] In August 2021, she became an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.[31] In May 2024, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Berklee College of Music.[72]

Business and ventures

LeSun Music and Listen Back Entertainment

In 1999, Ledisi co-founded the independent record label LeSun Music with musician Sundra Manning.[3] 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 defunct in 2006.

In January 2019, Ledisi founded another independent record label called Listen Back Entertainment.[3] 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).[73]

Production companies

In 2014, Ledisi founded Ledhead Productions.[74] 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.[75] On November 28, 2020, Fig Street Films produced live concert special titled Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone,[76] which aired on American television network PBS.[77]

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 on January 2020.[32]

Discography

Main article: Ledisi discography

Studio albums

Tours

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[80] † 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

  1. ^ "The Evolution Of Ledisi". Bet.com. Black Entertainment Television. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Kellman, Andy. Ledisi Biography at AllMusic
  4. ^ a b Keepin’ the Booty Big. East Bay Express. Retrieved on July 18, 2024
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Artist: Ledisi Young". Grammy.com. Recording Academy. 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  6. ^ Ledisi Discography at AllMusic
  7. ^ Ledisi speaks 'The Truth' Interview. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  8. ^ "Kirk Franklin and Ledisi at the Fox, 5 Things To Know". The Oakland Press. November 10, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  9. ^ a b 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
  11. ^ Soulsinger. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  12. ^ Freelon, Cubanismo Set For San Jose Jazz Fest. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  13. ^ "Ledisi – Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1. Discogs. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  14. ^ a b Caroline, or Change opening night case. Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  15. ^ Singer Ledisi Was 'Lost' but Now Is 'Found'. WUNC. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  16. ^ "Ledisi – Lost & Found". AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ledisi Billboard Chart History. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  18. ^ Soul singer Ledisi lets "Loose" on new album. Reuters. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  19. ^ a b Ledisi / February 15, 2008 / New York (Highline Ballroom). Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  20. ^ "Ledisi – It's Christmas". AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  21. ^ Ledisi Proclaims ‘It’s Christmas’ On First Holiday Album. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  22. ^ Exclusive Song: Ledisi's "Trippin'". Billboard. June 6, 2024
  23. ^ Ledisi Finds Success and Confidence in Pieces of Me. Houston Press. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  24. ^ Gentles, Gary (April 6, 2012). "Ledisi Announces "BGTY" Headline Tour, Plus New Book". Singersroom.com. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  25. ^ Ledisi is 'Better Than Alright' – she talks about her new book and what it means to be 'beautiful'. CNN. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  26. ^ Essence Presents Ledisi Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power. Barnes and Noble. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  27. ^ Hobdy, Dominique (April 25, 2014). "Ledisi to Play Mahalia Jackson in MLK Biopic, 'Selma'". Essence. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  28. ^ "Ledisi Reveals New Album Title and Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  29. ^ Lenker, Maureen Lee (October 29, 2018). "The 5 best moments in A Very Wicked Halloween". Entertainment Weekly.
  30. ^ a b "Ledisi, Hamilton Alum Amber Iman, More Set for Witness Uganda's Los Angeles Bow" by Ryan McPhee, Playbill, January 7, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Ledisi Named Artist in Residence at Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Berklee. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  32. ^ a b Paul, Allen C. "Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace your Journey". Godandgigs.com. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  33. ^ "Mississippi Goddam (A Homage to Nina Simone)". Bbc.com.
  34. ^ "Ledisi at Gershwin Prize". Newsroom.loc.gov.
  35. ^ R&B Powerhouse Ledisi Debuts with the Pops, Pays Tribute to Nina Simone. Cincinnati Symphony. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  36. ^ Ledisi - The Truth. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  37. ^ Ledisi - Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  38. ^ Ledisi - Soulsinger. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  39. ^ 'Sexy nerd' Ledisi, the New Orleans-born singer/actress, is living the 'Good Life' on new album. New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  40. ^ Ledisi: Lifted by Nina. DownBeat. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  41. ^ Column: Finding salvation from dark places through Ledisi and Nina Simone Archived 2024-06-16 at the Wayback Machine. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on June 15, 2024
  42. ^ a b Ledisi & Bilal – A Tribute To Curtis Mayfield | WDR BIG BAND. Routes Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  43. ^ a b c Ledisi embraces the 'Good Life' and her latest album proves just that. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  44. ^ a b c d e f Interview: Ledisi Channels & Honors Nina Simone in LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 27, 2024
  45. ^ Bay Area African American Women in Music: Ledisi Counts Stevie Wonder, Prince & the Obamas among Her Fans. Post News Group. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  46. ^ Ledisi Got the Acting Bug from Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson Show. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  47. ^ Prince Encouraged Singer Ledisi to Leave Her Record Label: He Was All About 'Owning Your Legacy'. People. Retrieved on June 20, 2024
  48. ^ It Looks Like Ledisi Is Married Now!. Essence. Retrieved on June 6, 2024
  49. ^ Star Gazing: Ledisi Visits the White House. Essence. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  50. ^ Obama starts inauguration day with visit to church. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  51. ^ President Obama’s Campaign Playlist: The 5 Biggest Surprises. Billboard. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  52. ^ Ledisi Facebook "Thank you Mr. President". Facebook. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  53. ^ White House Announces Juneteenth Concert. The White House. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  54. ^ a b Music stardom starts in the classroom. I should know. The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  55. ^ Black AIDS Institute honors Laverne Cox. Los Angeles Blade. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  56. ^ Singer-Songwriter-Alum Ledisi to Headline the Black AIDS Institute’s Heroes Gala. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  57. ^ Black AIDS Institute Launches Bold Vision For The Future. The Seattle Medium. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  58. ^ Ledisi advocates for HIV awareness, prevention and treatment. Rolling Out. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  59. ^ 2018 Bills Authored By Senator Ben Allen. Senate District 24. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  60. ^ Ledisi Weighs In On The Importance Of Music Education. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  61. ^ Profiles In Advocacy: Ledisi On The Importance Of Using Your Voice To Make Change. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  62. ^ Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice | Our Team. Berklee College of Music. Retrieved on March 15, 2024
  63. ^ Ledisi Named First Artist-In-Residence At Berklee’s Institute Of Jazz And Gender Justice. Vibe. Retrieved on June 15, 2024
  64. ^ Ledisi Appointed Artist-in-Residence at Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Billboard. Retrieved on June 15, 2024
  65. ^ R&B, jazz musician, composer Ledisi heads to Berklee. Bay State Banner. Retrieved on June 15, 2024
  66. ^ Soul Train Awards 2017: The winners. CNN. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  67. ^ Soul Train Awards 2018: Here's the complete winners list. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  68. ^ ARTS ADVOCACY DAY 2016: LEDISI INTERVIEW. Americans for the Arts. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  69. ^ PATHMAKER ICON AWARDS GALA PROGRAM JOURNAL (see page 12). Issuu. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  70. ^ Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Annual Tribute Concert & Awards at The Montalbán. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 17, 2024
  71. ^ Billy Porter: George H.W. Bush 'was one of the worst culprits'. Out Magazine. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  72. ^ Berklee Honors Ledisi, Q-Tip, and Gilberto Santa Rosa at Commencement. Berklee. Retrieved on June 7, 2024
  73. ^ Listen Back Entertainment Credits. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  74. ^ LEDISI - Trademark Details. Justia Trademarks. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  75. ^ Eight Performances Added For LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  76. ^ Ledisi Live: A Tribute To Nina Simone. KPBS. Retrieved on June 18, 2024
  77. ^ Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone Archived 2021-12-09 at the Wayback Machine. PBS. Retrieved on June 15, 2024
  78. ^ "Ledisi Looks Ahead to Concert Tour with Special 'Nina and Me' Shows". Soulbounce.com. April 30, 2019.
  79. ^ "The Rebel, The Soul & The Saint Tour". Church-and-fashion.com. September 5, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  80. ^ 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.com.
  81. ^ At long last, Ledisi hits a high note. SF Gate. Retrieved on June 8, 2024
  82. ^ Cason, Clark, Ledisi, Nager, Roberts to Star in Reprise's Once on This Island. Playbill. Retrieved on July 3, 2024
  83. ^ 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
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