We Love: Leela James, Reimagining Old School Soul
Leela James can sing. Matter of fact, she can saaaaaang. At just 29 years old, the Los Angeles native’s music has been described as a throwback to a bygone era of old school soul. Amid a sea of auto-tuned, polished, mixed down singers, James’ voice is raw, real, and demands your attention.
Although she’s worked with everyone from Kanye West to BB King, James’ latest album pays homage to her favorite artist, Etta James.
This summer, Leela will release In The Spirit of Etta James, her offering to the late blues icon known for giving her all to the music. Leela’s music is in the tradition of Etta James and she was even compared to the legendary singer as a child.
Speaking about her idol, Leela explained what drew her into to James’ music, “I think Etta James sang from real pain, which truly made the blues and soul of her music special. Very few artists are able to convey that sincere pain in their music.”
Full of emotion, strength and undeniable soul, Leela James’ voice and her lyrics remind us that real singers are still here and soul music is alive and kicking.
Check out the first single from Leela James’ latest album, ‘In the Spirit of Etta James.’
The video was abit out of sync nonetheless I love it! Ms. Leela’s voice is so rich and I love fashion from that era, it is/was so feminine.
Gotdamn!!! Did ya’ll peep that dude on the 1:00 mark, and then at the very end. Does anybody know who he is?! I WANT him, like seriously!!!
iLOVE this!!!! The song is BEAUTIFUL and she is SANGING!! mmmmmh mmmmh
Hiiiii Sissy!!!
Hope you are well!!
Hey!!
I’m fine thanks. Hope you are too!!
I discovered Leela late last year, I think. You should see her cover of the Womack and Womack song, “Baby I’m scared of you.” Music purists will kill me, but I prefer it over the original. But I did not really like her in her “Tell Me You Love Me” video. She better not sell out.
wow. she radically changed her look. she should have stuck with the natural, nappy look since it’s in now. going the way of lil kim it seems. lol.
oh well. her voice is obviously great. too bad we hardly value talent anymore.
Her nose changed. I think she’s channeling Etta with the blond hair. But the contacts, I don’t know. I had her very first CD back in the day. GOOD STUFF. But yeah she had something done to her nose and whenever I see her now I always take a second look. Love her voice. She is a vocal slayer! Great voice!
Woo~Yes! Even if I wanted to say No, I couldn’t bc YES is all in my eyes. iLoved it…nice.