Some singers need all the bells and whistles that go along with performing live. Others can let their voice be the focus and just use it to create magic. Ledisi stands firmly in the latter category. Watching her perform live is akin to watching a master craftsman create the most stunning work of art you’ve ever seen. The Grammy winner brings this level of artistry to the stage every time she sings. With her new album “Good Life” bringing more joy to her fanbase, it’s no surprise to see her among the honorees on the 2024 Root 100. To celebrate her amazing talent and remind you why we’ll always be excited to see her perform on December 5 at the Apollo, these are Ledisi’s best musical moments.
Suggested Reading
2008: ‘Yesterday’ – Newport Jazz Festival
Many singers are tripped up by the simplicity of The Beatles classic. But Ledisi injects it with so much heart and soul, it feels brand new. She took the Fab Four to church!
2011: ‘Pieces of Me – In Session Soundcheck
Every time Ledisi sings, it feels like she’s giving the listener a piece of heart (no pun intended). Her voice is infused with the kind of soul you can’t teach. She’s truly letting you see part of herself.
2013: ‘I Blame You’ – Black Girls Rock
What makes this performance so fun is that we don’t often get to see her getting her pop diva on. The way she’s letting loose on stage and doing her little dance number is so joyful to watch.
2014: As Mahalia Jackson in ‘Selma’
In the film, when Dr. King needs to “hear the Lord’s voice,” he calls his dear friend Mahalia Jackson, played by Ledisi. Frankly, we can’t think of a better person to call if you need to feel the Lord’s presence.
2014: ‘Like This’ (Acoustic)
As beautiful as her voice is, her real talent lies in the way she uses it as a storyteller. The way she takes you through all the emotional levels of a relationship in a three minute song is just brilliant.
2014: ‘Alright’ – Berklee College of Music
Ledisi performed with students at the renowned music college delivering an absolute masterclass in how to build a song during a live performance. Watching her sing is like watching a painter slowly add different colors to the canvas as they reveal the final creation.
2016: Natalie Cole Tribute – BET Honors
When you’re honoring a voice like Natalie Cole’s, it’s impossible to fully capture all that is great about her talent. However, Ledisi not only embodies the jazz roots of the icon, she also brings her own joy to two of Cole’s most famous songs.
2017: NPR Tiny Desk Concert
There is no artist more perfect for the stripped down, no frills setting of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. There’s no hiding your vocal weaknesses in these performances. Luckily, she doesn’t have any.
2018: Aretha Franklin Tribute – Black Girls Rock
We know Aretha Franklin wasn’t the biggest fan of other people singing her music, but we hope she was looking down on this version of “Ain’t No Way” with pride. Ledisi doesn’t fall into the trap of oversinging, because she’s actually telling the audience a story.
2019: ‘I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free’ – The Royal Albert Hall
The way she controls her voice like the fine instrument that it is cannot be celebrated enough. A powerful voice is nothing without the ability to use it properly. She’s a masterful artist.
2019: ‘Feeling Good’ – Live in Amsterdam
Accompanied by Lisa Fischer, Ledisi and Metropole Orkest, this performance of classic standard is a full on showcase of all the vocal talent that makes Ledisi such a special artist. As advertised, it makes the audience feel good.
2022: Nina Simone Tribute – 64th Annual Grammys
Countless singers have done tributes to Nina Simone, but very few actually embody the emotion that Simone brought to her music. Ledisi captivates and entrances an audience the way Simone did.
2024: ‘Sell Me No Dreams’ – Tamron Hall
At this stage in her career, there’s a confidence and strength in her voice that can only be gained through life experience. She’s really doing it for all the grown ass women now. When she says “Sell Me No Dreams,” she means it to her core.
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