Ledisi

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 older sister Shannon, and a younger sister.[https://www.ebony.com/ledisi-speaks-the-truth-interview-333/ Ledisi speaks 'The Truth' Interview]. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.{{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}} 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.

In 1990, she starred as the lead character Dorothy in an Antioch Community Theater production of The Wiz in Antioch, California.[https://www.montereyherald.com/2021/09/15/beth-peerless-where-its-at-ledisi-returns-to-jazz-fest-lineup/ Beth Peerless, Where it's at: Ledisi returns to Jazz Fest lineup]. Monterey Herald. Retrieved on June 8, 2024 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.[https://www.npr.org/transcripts/137728756?ft=nprml&f=137728756 Ledisi: A Singer's Second Life]. NPR. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 Ledisi was briefly part of an acid jazz group called Slide Five.[https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/ledisi Ledisi]. The New Yorker. Retrieved on July 19, 2024 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.

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.[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/soulsinger-79131/ Soulsinger]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/freelon-cubanismo-set-for-san-jose-jazz-fest-71516/ Freelon, Cubanismo Set For San Jose Jazz Fest]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 She also released a 4-track extended play titled Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1.[https://www.discogs.com/release/23908046-Ledisi-Ledisi-Anibade-Live-The-Bootleg-Recordings-Vol-1 "Ledisi – Ledisi & Anibade – "Live" The Bootleg Recordings Vol. 1]. Discogs. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.[https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/caroline-or-change-11975#OpeningNightCast Caroline, or Change opening night case]. Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved on June 6, 2024

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.[https://www.wunc.org/2008-01-14/singer-ledisi-was-lost-but-now-is-found Singer Ledisi Was 'Lost' but Now Is 'Found']. WUNC. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 The album was released on August 28, 2007.[https://www.allmusic.com/album/lost-found-mw0000573114 "Ledisi – Lost & Found"]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 Lost & Found peaked at number 10 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and sold over 237,000 copies in the United States.[https://www.billboard.com/artist/ledisi/ Ledisi Billboard Chart History]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE56O0C6/ Soul singer Ledisi lets "Loose" on new album]. Reuters. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ledisi-february-15-2008-new-york-highline-ballroom-1046284/ Ledisi / February 15, 2008 / New York (Highline Ballroom)]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.[https://www.allmusic.com/album/its-christmas-mw0000798326 "Ledisi – It's Christmas"]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 6, 2024[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ledisi-proclaims-its-christmas-on-first-holiday-album-1305401/ Ledisi Proclaims ‘It’s Christmas’ On First Holiday Album]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 6, 2024

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.[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/exclusive-song-ledisis-trippin-267986/ Exclusive Song: Ledisi's "Trippin'"]. Billboard. June 6, 2024 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.

File:Ledisi on Walmart Soundcheck (6011833227) (cropped).jpg 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.{{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}} She headlined her first major tour called the Pieces of Me Tour, which went on to play to over twenty-two sold-out shows.[https://www.houstonpress.com/music/ledisi-finds-success-and-confidence-in-pieces-of-me-6510834 Ledisi Finds Success and Confidence in Pieces of Me]. Houston Press. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 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.{{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}}[https://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/tv/ledisi-is-better-than-alright-she-talks-about-her-new-book-and-what-it-means-to-be-beautiful/index.html Ledisi is 'Better Than Alright' – she talks about her new book and what it means to be 'beautiful']. CNN. Retrieved on June 6, 2024[https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/essence-presents-ledisi-better-than-alright-ledisi/1110792199 Essence Presents Ledisi Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power]. Barnes and Noble. Retrieved on June 6, 2024

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.{{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=Essence|date=April 25, 2014}} 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.

File:20111016 Ledisi at the MLK Memorial dedication concert.jpg 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} In 2019, she portrayed the Ancestor in the Off-Broadway theatre production of Witness Uganda.[https://playbill.com/article/ledisi-hamilton-alum-amber-iman-more-set-for-witness-ugandas-los-angeles-bow "Ledisi, Hamilton Alum Amber Iman, More Set for Witness Uganda{{’}}s Los Angeles Bow"] by Ryan McPhee, Playbill, January 7, 2019. {{Retrieved|access-date=June 16, 2024}} 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.[https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/berklee-institute-of-jazz-and-gender-justice-announces-ledisi-as-artist-in-residence Ledisi Named Artist in Residence at Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice]. Berklee. Retrieved on June 6, 2024

In January 2020, Ledisi released her second book, Don't Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey.{{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}} 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),{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000cq69/|title=Mississippi Goddam (A Homage to Nina Simone)|website=Bbc.com}} 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.{{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 }} 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.

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On January 31, 2025, Ledisi released "Love You Too"; the lead single from her forthcoming album.[https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-you-too/1790275051 Ledisi - Love You Too (Single)]. Apple Music. Retrieved on February 13, 2025 On February 9, 2025, Ledisi performed the "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LIX, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.[https://nypost.com/2025/02/09/entertainment/ledisi-sings-black-national-anthem-at-super-bowl-2025/ Ledisi wows with black National Anthem ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at Super Bowl 2025]. New York Post. Retrieved on February 13, 2025[https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ledisi-lift-every-voice-and-sing-2025-super-bowl-1235896628/ Ledisi Delivers Stirring Performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ for Super Bowl Pre-Game Show]. Billboard. Retrieved on February 13, 2025 The Love You Too Tour was announced on February 10, 2025. On April 25, 2025, Ledisi released her twelfth studio album The Crown.

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".[https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/about/watch-listen/fanfare-cincinnati/february2020/spotlight-on-ledisi/ R&B Powerhouse Ledisi Debuts with the Pops, Pays Tribute to Nina Simone]. Cincinnati Symphony. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 Music critic Salamishah Tillet of The New York Times praised her voice for 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,[https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-truth-mw0002599561 Ledisi - The Truth]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 jazz,[https://www.allmusic.com/album/feeling-orange-but-sometimes-blue-mw0001340447 Ledisi - Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 funk,[https://www.allmusic.com/album/soulsinger-mw0000663351 Ledisi - Soulsinger]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 pop, and soul.[https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/keith_spera/new-orleans-born-singer-ledisi-is-living-the-good-life/article_153b5dd0-f07d-11ee-b379-9f4b69737903.html '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 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".[https://downbeat.com/news/detail/ledisi-lifted-by-nina Ledisi: Lifted by Nina]. DownBeat. Retrieved on June 17, 2024

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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.[https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-12-29/salvation-dark-times-ledisi-nina-simone Column: Finding salvation from dark places through Ledisi and Nina Simone] {{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 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.[https://routes-mag.com/ledisi-bilal-a-tribute-to-curtis-mayfield-wdr-big-band/ Ledisi & Bilal – A Tribute To Curtis Mayfield | WDR BIG BAND]. Routes Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 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,[https://www.ebony.com/ledisi-embraces-the-good-life-and-her-latest-album-proves-just-that/ Ledisi embraces the 'Good Life' and her latest album proves just that]. Ebony Magazine. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 Patti LaBelle, Deniece Williams, Leontyne Price,[https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Interview-Ledisi-Channels-Honors-Nina-Simone-in-LEDISI-THE-LEGEND-OF-LITTLE-GIRL-BLUE-20191210?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2trdLCj96Lp2Ob2PR_SKgrgW0W8RjtMI3uYwUdl9hbwww6WBcKoIJ9gRs_aem_BBlsyDz6D6HszuCzeXT20g Interview: Ledisi Channels & Honors Nina Simone in LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE]. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 27, 2024 Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Patsy Cline, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Stevie Wonder.[https://www.postnewsgroup.com/bay-area-african-american-women-music-ledisi-counts-stevie-wonder-prince-obamas-among-fans/ 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 Ledisi credited Diana Ross's performance as Dorothy Gale in The Wiz for giving her the "acting bug".[https://jenniferhudsonshow.com/videos/ledisi-got-the-acting-bug-from-diana-ross/ Ledisi Got the Acting Bug from Diana Ross]. Jennifer Hudson Show. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 In an interview with People magazine, Ledisi cited Prince as a musical influence and that he encouraged her to leave her record label.[https://people.com/music/prince-encouraged-singer-ledisi-to-leave-her-record-label-he-was-all-about-owning-your-legacy/ Prince Encouraged Singer Ledisi to Leave Her Record Label: He Was All About 'Owning Your Legacy']. People. Retrieved on June 20, 2024

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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.[https://www.essence.com/love/ledisi-married-new-orleans-ron-t-young/ It Looks Like Ledisi Is Married Now!]. Essence. Retrieved on June 6, 2024 The couple appeared on the docu-series Black Love.[https://blacklove.com/meet-the-couples-of-black-love-season-5-ledisi-ron/ Meet the Couples of ‘Black Love’ Season 5: Ledisi & Ron]. Black Love. Retrieved on October 10, 2024

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.[https://www.essence.com/celebrity/ledisi-visits-white-house-michelle-obama-mentoring-series/ Star Gazing: Ledisi Visits the White House]. Essence. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 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.[https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2013/01/21/obama-starts-inauguration-day-with-visit-to-church/ Obama starts inauguration day with visit to church]. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 Her song "Raise Up" from her album Pieces of Me was included on President Obama's Campaign Playlist.[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/president-obamas-campaign-playlist-the-5-biggest-surprises-506250/ President Obama’s Campaign Playlist: The 5 Biggest Surprises]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 On January 19, 2017, Ledisi posted a picture of Obama, thanking him for his presidential term.[https://www.facebook.com/ledisi/photos/a.59758826481/10154328042216482/?paipv=0&eav=AfYcQQihZvntyVW4hnG2xoHfoU_n14V7vQXrM-QqrrCuDFcHyS4lS00TlMMHngqDLfo&_rdr Ledisi Facebook "Thank you Mr. President"]. Facebook. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 In June 2023, Ledisi was invited to perform during the Juneteenth Concert at the South Lawn.[https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/07/white-house-announces-juneteenth-concert/ White House Announces Juneteenth Concert]. The White House. Retrieved on June 17, 2024

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|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 Gov. Jerry Brown to sign the Arts for Every Student Act.|source= —Ledisi

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In September 2017, Ledisi headlined the Black AIDS Institute's Heroes Gala.[https://www.losangelesblade.com/2017/09/05/black-aids-institute-honors-laverne-cox/ Black AIDS Institute honors Laverne Cox]. Los Angeles Blade. Retrieved on June 18, 2024[https://www.nocca.com/singer-songwriter-alum-ledisi-to-headline-the-black-aids-institutes-heroes-gala/ Singer-Songwriter-Alum Ledisi to Headline the Black AIDS Institute’s Heroes Gala]. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 In November 2017, Ledisi became an ambassador for the Black AIDS Institute.[https://seattlemedium.com/black-aids-institute-launches-bold-vision-future/ Black AIDS Institute Launches Bold Vision For The Future]. The Seattle Medium. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 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.[https://rollingout.com/2017/11/23/ledisi-advocates-hiv-awareness-prevention-treatment/ Ledisi advocates for HIV awareness, prevention and treatment]. Rolling Out. Retrieved on June 18, 2024

In August 2018, Ledisi spoke out about the importance of music education. She stood in support of the Arts for Every Student Act.[https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article216658195.html Music stardom starts in the classroom. I should know]. The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 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.[https://sd24.senate.ca.gov/legislation/2018 2018 Bills Authored By Senator Ben Allen]. Senate District 24. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 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.[https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/ledisi-weighs-importance-music-education Ledisi Weighs In On The Importance Of Music Education]. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 The legislation was signed by Senator Ben Allen.

In 2021, she was elected president of the Los Angeles Chapter.[https://www.recordingacademy.com/news/ledisi-interview-ebony-black-music-collective-podcast Profiles In Advocacy: Ledisi On The Importance Of Using Your Voice To Make Change]. Recording Academy. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 In 2022, Ledisi became a professor and first artist-in-residence at Berklee College of Music, starting at the academic year of 2022–2023.[https://college.berklee.edu/jazz-gender-justice/our-team Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice | Our Team]. Berklee College of Music. Retrieved on March 15, 2024[https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/ledisi-artist-residence-berklees-institute-jazz-gender-justice-1234694154/ Ledisi Named First Artist-In-Residence At Berklee’s Institute Of Jazz And Gender Justice]. Vibe. Retrieved on June 15, 2024[https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ledisi-artist-in-residence-berklees-institute-of-jazz-and-gender-justice-1235139247/ Ledisi Appointed Artist-in-Residence at Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice]. Billboard. Retrieved on June 15, 2024 Under Berklee's Jazz and Gender Justice Program, she educated academic students and created workshops.[https://baystatebanner.com/2022/09/21/rb-jazz-musician-composer-ledisi-heads-to-berklee/ R&B, jazz musician, composer Ledisi heads to Berklee]. Bay State Banner. Retrieved on June 15, 2024

{{main|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.[https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/27/entertainment/soul-train-awards-2017/index.html Soul Train Awards 2017: The winners]. CNN. Retrieved on June 17, 2024[https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/soul-train-awards-2018-here-the-complete-winners-list/AAQHNRsSCdRAGFnNxF5yHK/ Soul Train Awards 2018: Here's the complete winners list]. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 She has been the honorary musical receiptant of Americans for the Arts,[https://www.americansforthearts.org/arts-advocacy-day-2016-ledisi-interview ARTS ADVOCACY DAY 2016: LEDISI INTERVIEW]. Americans for the Arts. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 EmpowHer,[https://issuu.com/eric_frazier/docs/program_journal_-_pathmaker_2020_v2 PATHMAKER ICON AWARDS GALA PROGRAM JOURNAL] (see page 12). Issuu. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 and Los Angeles Jazz Society.[https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/regional/Los-Angeles-Jazz-Society-s-Annual-Tribute-Concert-Awards-2977340 Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Annual Tribute Concert & Awards at The Montalbán]. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 17, 2024 In December 2018, she was honored by the Black AIDS Institute for her work and advocacy.[https://www.out.com/out-exclusives/2018/12/02/billy-porter-george-hw-bush-was-one-worst-culprits Billy Porter: George H.W. Bush 'was one of the worst culprits']. Out Magazine. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 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.[https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/berklee-honors-ledisi-q-tip-and-gilberto-santa-rosa-at-commencement#:~:text=News-,Berklee%20Honors%20Ledisi%2C%20Q%2DTip%2C%20and%20Gilberto%20Santa%20Rosa,artists%2C%20educators%2C%20and%20activists.&text=Ledisi%20speaks%20to%20the%20graduating%20class%20at%20Berklee's%202024%20commencement%20ceremony. Berklee Honors Ledisi, Q-Tip, and Gilberto Santa Rosa at Commencement]. Berklee. Retrieved on June 7, 2024

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), Good Life (2024), and The Crown (2025).[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/listen-back-entertainment-mn0003969426#credits Listen Back Entertainment Credits]. AllMusic. Retrieved on June 18, 2024

In 2014, Ledisi founded a production company called Ledhead Productions.[https://trademarks.justia.com/864/78/ledisi-86478767.html LEDISI - Trademark Details]. Justia Trademarks. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 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.[https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Eight-Performances-Added-For-LEDISI-THE-LEGEND-OF-LITTLE-GIRL-BLUE-20191120 Eight Performances Added For LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE]. Broadway World. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 On November 28, 2020, Fig Street Films produced a live concert special titled Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone,[https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2021/03/18/ledisi-live-tribute-nina-simone Ledisi Live: A Tribute To Nina Simone]. KPBS. Retrieved on June 18, 2024 which aired on American television network PBS.[https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/ledisi-live-tribute-nina-simone/special/ledisi-live-tribute-nina-simone-secwzh Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone] {{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 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.

{{Main|Ledisi discography}}

Studio albums

• Soulsinger (2000)
• Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue (2002)
• Lost & Found (2007)
• It's Christmas (2008)
• Turn Me Loose (2009)
• Pieces of Me (2011)
• The Truth (2014)
• Let Love Rule (2017)
• The Wild Card (2020)
• Ledisi Sings Nina (2021)
• Good Life (2024)
• The Crown (2025)

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Headlining tours

• Pieces of Me Tour (2011)
• B.G.T.Y. Tour (2012)
• The Truth Tour (2014)
• The Intimate Truth Tour (2015)
• Let Love Rule Tour (2018)
• Ledisi Live UK Tour (2019)
• Nina and Me Tour (2019){{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 }}
• The Wild Card Tour (2021)
• Ledisi Sings Nina Tour (2021–2023)
• The Good Life Tour (2024)
• Love You Too Tour (2025)

Co-headlining tours

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

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Residencies

• Ledisi: The Legend of Little Girl Blue (2019)

Opening act

• Intimacy Tour (Kem) (2011)

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

{{Reflist}}

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

{{Ledisi|state=autocollapse}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1972 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century African-American actresses

Category:20th-century American actresses

Category:20th-century African-American women singers

Category:20th-century American women singers

Category:20th-century American singers

Category:21st-century African-American actresses

Category:21st-century American actresses

Category:21st-century African-American women singers

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:Actresses from Louisiana

Category:African-American Catholics

Category:African-American women singer-songwriters

Category:American women singer-songwriters

Category:American ballad musicians

Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:American film actresses

Category:American gospel singers

Category:American jazz singers

Category:American mezzo-sopranos

Category:American neo soul singers

Category:American women jazz singers

Category:Berklee College of Music faculty

Category:Bertelsmann Music Group artists

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Jazz musicians from Louisiana

Category:Singers with a four-octave vocal range

Category:Singer-songwriters from Louisiana

Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni

Category:Verve Records artists