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Songwriter, Recording Artist

Ledisi has been one of soul music's most respected voices and songwriters for almost a decade, since her indie debut, Soulsinger, announced her arrival. Born in New Orleans but raised in the Bay Area, Ledisi developed a devout following with her emotive, powerful vocal style and effortless songwriting.

"My favorite part of the creative process is coming up with something that I didn't think I could come up with - everything always comes naturally," says the songbird. "[And] seeing the reflection [in the audience] of how you felt when you wrote it - that's the best part."

As a new crop of soul artists from John Legend to Amy Winehouse began to make noise on major labels, Ledisi weighed her options - making sure that jumping from indie to major was the right move for her. "With so many [soul] artists having success with major labels in the past year, I still [wanted] to look at what was around me," she explains. "I looked at my own situation and decided it was time for me to sign with a major label. I did it well but I wanted to be known on a bigger scale."

Ledisi's eagerly antipated major-label debut, Lost & Found, is a reflection of an artist comfortable in her own multitalented skin. A veteran of the theater and the studio, Ledisi uses both to inspire her music. "My love of music and theater adds more to my stage presence," she says. "It's more real for me on stage. I have the opportunity to display more emotion because the songs are about me."

With a resonant voice and prolific writing ability, it's no wonder that audiences are clamoring for more songs from Ledisi. - todd williams

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