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Ledisi Signs with Verve Records

For Immediate Release
LEDISI SIGNS WITH VERVE RECORDS
Acclaimed performer brings showstopping blend of soul, funk, R&B, gospel, and jazz to new label home
Popular soul singer is scheduled to perform as part of the Bill Withers Tribute at the 2006 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards on June 26th in Los Angeles.
The acclaimed Bay Area-based vocalist Ledisi has signed with Verve Records. It was announced by Ron Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of The Verve Music Group. This unique performer brings her showstopping blend of soul, funk, gospel, jazz, and R&B to her new label home, where she will be in the company of such artists as Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Joe Sample, Roy Hargrove, Lizz Wright, and more.
Ron Goldstein, President and CEO of The Verve Music Group, said: “Ledisi has one of the most soulful and pure voices that I have ever heard. She is a true talent and she has the energy on stage to keep an audience on it’s feet throughout her incredible shows. I am so pleased that she chose to be part of the Verve Music Group roster.
After signing with Verve, Ledisi immediately made her mark as a force to be reckoned with on the label. At the recent Urban Network Entertainment & Marketing Summit in Palm Springs , CA , she received a standing ovation after her performance at the Universal Music Distribution luncheon. UMD President Jim Urie said, “Never have seen anything like it. After one minute I was worried about how it was going to go over. After two minutes the whole room was on its feet. Amazing.” Ledisi recently also turned in bravura performances at Verve’s private listening party at the Urban Network Conference as well as ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Café in Los Angeles
Ledisi is currently in production on what will be her Verve Records debut which is scheduled for early 2007 release. The urban/soul flavored album will be produced by Ledisi, Rex Rideout and Mano Hanes and will include a wide repertoire of material and showcase a number of her own originals.
Stephen Holden of the New York Times wrote of the multi-talented performer: “Ledisi’s application of her formidable voice to any number of soul, funk and jazz hybrids, however, could be intimidating to singers who lack her wealth of raw talent…. Her voice is her own portable playground.”
For more information, contact: J’ai St. Laurent-Smyth 212.331.2047
[jai.stlaurent-smyth@umusic.com]
www.vervemusicgroup.com

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 22nd, 2006 at 8:12 am. It is filed under Music News/Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.