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Leigh JonesAmerican soul singer
Country:
 USA |
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Biography of Lee Jones
Lee Jones, an American soul singer, was born on June 1st. She always knew she wanted to be a singer. As a child, she was drawn to soul music, especially after hearing the first release by the Pointer Sisters called "American Music." Growing up in Los Angeles, surrounded by talented musicians, Lee's parents, Gary and Annie Jones, who were singers and pianists themselves, she attended many of her father's concerts as a studio singer. She absorbed the classic jazz vocals of artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat "King" Cole, and his daughter Natalie Cole. The powerful blues of Etta James ignited a fire in Lee's soul, and she drew inspiration from contemporary talents like Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and the dynamic vocal range of Mariah Carey. She took all the best influences and began honing her talent at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
Finding Her Path
Starting out in the music industry, Lee found herself caught in producer battles, fighting for her own right to make a name for herself: "There was a time when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were just becoming known, so every producer I met wanted to turn me into them... I knew I had to work for myself to show who I am. This meant doing more than just writing, finding the strengths in my vocal range, and figuring out what I would wear. It's hard for people to think outside of those things." Her journey to establish herself began to gain momentum when her friend Lorenzo Pryor introduced her to Kerry Gordy, who was looking for a new and unique soul singer to work with: "...In his living room, I sang 'Smile' (a Charlie Chaplin standard) a cappella. Then, with Kerry on the piano, we spontaneously did Billy Holiday's 'God Bless the Child.' Since then, we've been connected." These creative connections led them to create a phenomenal collection of songs for Lee's debut album, "Music in My Soul." Produced by Carl McGregor, the album featured standout tracks such as "Words You Never Say" and "Same Game."
Gaining Recognition
Lee's talent and passion for authentic soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, and blues music have made her a genuine artist whose music transcends boundaries. Her unique sound and captivating performances have gained recognition from industry giants such as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and Al Bell, co-owner of Stax Records. They are the individuals who discover, nurture, and launch the careers of the best artists. Berry Gordy stated, "Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to find many great musical talents. I feel Lee Jones is destined to be the next big star. She is amazing!" His son, Kerry Gordy, adds, "Lee Jones' driving force is sensuality. She's cool, she's great, she's real. Lee is incredibly talented – a singer's singer, a songwriter, and a producer's dream. It is a great honor and pride for me to be partnered with her." Accepting the praise, Lee humbly stated, "It's so flattering that all these people support me, but it's also a little overwhelming. These people have worked with the best... It pushes me to work even harder."
Overcoming Challenges
Lee Jones' journey to her first full-length album was filled with challenges. She worked tirelessly, even singing rap in her friends' projects and her younger brother's, to refine her jazz musician techniques. To make ends meet, she sang for movie trailer soundtracks. Lee reflects on the difficult times, saying, "The struggle kept me in check, kept me hungry. Now all I want to do is perform on stage every night... I am willing to give everything for it because it's all I ever wanted to do." Al Bell, who advised Kerry Gordy at every step of Lee Jones' development, said, "The two most important things I look for in an artist are uniqueness and sincerity, gifted by God. Lee deals with rhythm and blues, pop music, jazz, and blues, which, frankly, you don't expect from a white woman... I really feel Lee Jones. She's under my close scrutiny. And the best is yet to come."
