Leela James

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Leela James

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Img_capt = Photo by Tom Beetz
Img_size =
Landscape = yes
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Leela James
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1983|6|2
Los Angeles, California, United States
Died =
Origin =
Genre = R&B, soul, neo soul
Occupation = Singer-songwriter
Years_active = 2005–present
Label = Warner Bros.
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.leelajames.com/ www.leelajames.com]

Leela James (born June 2, 1983 in Los Angeles, California)cite web |url=http://randb.about.com/od/gm/p/LeelaJames.htm |title=Profile: Leela James |accessdate=2008-09-06 |last=Nero |first=Mark Edward |work=About.com] [cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/events/leela-james-595066/ |title=New York Leela James@S.O.B.'s – Events |accessdate=2008-09-06 |last=Burrell |first=Jalylah |work=The Village Voice] is an American R&B, soul, and neo soul singer-songwriter. James cites legendary singers James Brown, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, and Stevie Wonder as her influences. Her deep, rich, gritty vocals have drawn comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Tina Turner.

Biography

James' debut album, entitled "A Change Is Gonna Come", was released on June 21, 2005. The album was conceived as a throwback to an earlier era of American soul music, building upon the legacy of 1960s and 1970s soul singers while incorporating elements of contemporary R&B, funk, and gospel.

In the lyrics to the album's lead single, entitled "Music", James laments the current state of contemporary popular music. She condemns the glorification of materialism and misogyny that has often been attributed to the lyrical content of contemporary R&B and hip hop songs while pleading for the return of the artistry, dedication, and sincerity displayed by musicians of earlier decades.

James co-wrote most of the tracks on her debut album, two exceptions being her covers of pop rock band No Doubt's 1996 hit "Don't Speak" and the classic title song by Sam Cooke, for which the album is named. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq of the 1990s R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Kanye West, and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean.

In 2004, James toured as an opening act for the Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock's album "Soul Survivor II", providing vocals to the track "No Tears". In 2005, she lent her voice to the posthumously-released Ray Charles album "Genius & Friends", duetting with the singer on the song "Compared to What". Leela also guested on Robert Randolph and the Family Band's 2006 album "Colorblind", lending her vocals to "Stronger".

Discography

Albums

*2005: "A Change Is Gonna Come"

ingles

*2005: "Music" — #33 Hot Dance Club Play
*2005: "Don't Speak"
*2006: "Good Time" — #33 Hot Dance Club Play
*2006: "My Joy"

Awards and nominations

*2006: Soul Train Music Awards — nomination for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist for "Music" [cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-02-02-soul-train-awards_x.htm |title=R. Kelly earns leading three Soul Train music award nominations |accessdate=2006-02-03 |work=USA Today |date=February 2, 2006]

References

External links

* [http://www.leelajames.com Official website]
*allmusicguide|id=11:kpfoxquald6e|label=Leela James
*MySpace|leelajames
*imdb name|1995511