JL : The Interview Sessions 5 - Leela James

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"The Interview Sessions with JL allow a real glimpse of the artist behind the music. Mixed with JL's brand of humour and irreverent' interviewing style these exclusive and in depth one to one's are uniquely aimed at gaining access to the soul of the personality,their career path and the stories behind their music"

LEELA JAMES

Leela James is an African American Los Angeles native and soul singer who was born in June 26, 1983. Leela James grew up in a home where her father had a huge collection of '60s and '70s Soul and R&B records, and she set her sights on a professional singing career in the late 1990s. She was signed by RuffNation Records but her contract was absorbed by the Warner Bros. label once RuffNation went under. Unfortunately, her project fell between the cracks at RuffNation and Warner and languished for nearly four years. Her trials as an artist in limbo led to the overall theme of the debut album she put together for Warner. The album, which she titled A Change Is Gonna Come, after the Sam Cooke song of the same title, was released in June, 2005. The album's theme is facing and overcoming obstacles - a subject she came to know well while working and waiting to get the project released. Led the by the first single, "Music," the album became a critical success. The album incorporates the styles of 1960s and 1970s American soul singers, and Leela's husky vocals have drawn comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner.

> Leela James Official Website
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