Ledisi, born in New Orleans but raised in Oakland, California, was immersed in a rich musical environment from a young age, shaped by her parents' love for R&B, soul, and even country music. Her upbringing, filled with the timeless sounds of the 1960s and 1970s, instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling through music, a sentiment that echoes in today's R&B. Influenced by legends like Denise Williams, Ledisi pays homage to her musical roots on her latest album, Good Life, where listeners can expect to hear echoes of that classic vibe.
Beginning in 1995, Ledisi formed a band named after her middle name, Anibade. Her journey took flight in 2000 with the release of her debut album, SoulSinger, paving the way for a prolific career that has seen the launch of nine subsequent albums. Recently honored as a Grammy-award-winning artist, Ledisi has left an indelible mark on the music industry with hits like "Pieces of Me" and "Alright," demonstrating her enduring presence and influence. Now, with the release of her highly anticipated 10th studio album, Ledisi continues to captivate audiences with her unmistakable talent and passion for soulful music.
Ledisi's commitment to authenticity has been instrumental in her continued musical success and growth. "That's what people want from me I say how I feel and I grow too. A lot of people chase relevancy. I don't, I just grow and chase perseverance and preserve some of the traditions that we have. I'm not looking to be whatever is happening now. I'm looking to Who am I now? Showing that each moment."
In addition to drawing inspiration from iconic singers like Patti Labelle and Chaka Khan, Ledisi's enduring career is largely attributed to her captivating voice, which continues to resonate deeply with audiences. "I have a God-given gift that heals, inspires, and soothes. As long as I have it and love what I do I will be obedient to my calling. I pray I get to do this beautifully all the way until the end".
As we enter Women's History Month, Ledisi shares her perspective on the experiences and challenges of being a black woman in the music industry, highlighting her journey of advocating for representation and inclusion. "My great grandparents did and my great aunt, she was a black panther. I always think about history. I never forget the ancestors, I never forget our roots. I never forget that. I also don't want to be overpowering what's happening now, because there's some great stuff and great artists and people that need to be heard here now too."
In addition to advocating for representation, collaborating with fellow women in the music industry holds significant importance for Ledisi. "For me, I include women in whatever I'm doing. I had Marsha Ambrosius write for me and they say artists can't get together. That's not true. I just called her and said I need your help. Can you write something for me? I'm not the grand diva that I can't ask for help. She came in and wrote something for me."
Ledisi's latest album, Good Life, offers a positive outlook while also addressing the theme of overcoming chaos. "They can expect the good life to be positive, but also say that the good life is about getting through the chaos. It's about the get through not necessarily everything being perfect all the time." This album will showcase the Ledisi that fans first fell in love with when she first began singing. "You also gonna get musically an aesthetic feeling that reminds you of your childhood. That reminds you of the old-school R&B but also new. I have new producers. I have old-school producers I have a mixture of great balance, but great songs to story. Storytelling songs, great collaborations. I have Kenny Lattimore, Butcher Brown, Cory Henry, DJ Camper, and, of course, I'm gonna always use my earlier collaborators, that who I love, which is Rex right now who's done most of the album with me."
Ledisi's new album serves as a powerful testimony, reflecting her journey of overcoming obstacles such as being told she wasn't pretty enough or would never make it. Despite facing adversity, she persevered, learning valuable lessons along the way.
