Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith is one of the most talented artists New Orleans has to offer. Born in New Orleans, she started out singing on the street but was quickly invited by the finest musicians in the Crescent City to play in the premier music venues. By 17 she reigned on the club scene and by age 19 was featured in the book, Up From The Cradle of Jazz as the future of New Orleans music.
Leslie has performed and recorded with a Who’s Who of New Orleans finest artists including Ellis Marsalis and Allen Toussaint, who calls her “One of Louisiana’s greatest treasures”. In 2002, she was named, “A Cultural Ambassador of New Orleans music”, by Mayor Marc Morial and featured in a mural for the Armstrong International Airport documenting influential artists. Leslie received a certificate of appreciation for her musical contributions by the Louisiana Music Commission, was filmed by the Jazz and Heritage Foundation for the library archives documenting important woman in jazz. In 2008 she was awarded a proclamation from New Orleans City Council thanking her for her “gift of song, magnanimous presence and beautiful voice”. Leslie has done radio and television appearances all over the United States and other countries.
Not content with being the “Jazz Diva of New Orleans”, she began branching out with her considerable talents into other aspects of the music industry, making waves as a songwriter, producer, and author with her book; The Incomplete Year By Year . . .History of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, e/prime publications, 2005.
She has performed at many New Orleans Jazz Fests and other regional, national and international festivals. She has also performed at Lincoln Center.
Most recently, Smith has been showcasing her lovely voice in Swimming Upstream, produced by Eve Ensler and Ashe’ Community Arts Center and directed by Broadway alumni Kenny Leon. Fellow cast members include Shirley Knight, Jasmine Guy, Felisha Rashad and Carrie Washington. As Swimming Upstream’s three week Atlanta run in November 2008 received a rave in Variety Magazine in New York, Smith will be out on the boards again soon with this production.
Ms Smith has had a varied and interesting recording career, with multiple CD’s in many different styles including jazz, R&B and gospel. Smith has also had her songs recorded and released by other artists in a variety of disciplines.
Her stage presence is riveting, captivating audiences wherever she goes. Her experience is evident, she’s comfortable from the smallest stage to the biggest arena., Her passion for music is obvious, making Leslie an easy artist to love.....Free S&H
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