Ledisi was born after a Jackson Five Concert and her parents were in the music business, raised in Oakland California, born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Music has therefore, always been part of her life. Ledisi’s mother, Nyra Dynese, sang in an R&B band, which was called “Coronava”. Whilst pregnant with Ledisi, she played in this group and she also co-wrote the 70’s hit “Pillow Talk” with Larry Sanders. Ledisi was the daughter of Larry Sanders, the outstanding singer/guitarist and is granddaughter of the late blues singer Johnny Ace. The word Ledisi is a Nigerian word from the Yoruba religion and means “To Come here; bring forth”. Playing recorder as a child, she sang with the ‘New Orleans Symphony Youth Chorus’ after being chosen as one of a lucky two that were picked from students in every middle school in New Orleans. Naturally talented, she wrote her first song when she was just 4 years of age and became president of her high school Gospel choir, later becoming the youngest choir director at her church in Oakland, California. From there, she went on to study music, learning different styles (Jazz, R&B, classical, piano, violin and the drums). Ledisi’s first ever gig was with a band called ‘Slide Five’ and she went on to start her own band called ‘Anibade’ and has succeeded in becoming an incredible producer, singer and songwriter.
|
