Ledisi Anibade Young, known simply as Ledisi, is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, author, and actress whose name means "to bring forth" in Yoruba. Born March 28, 1972, Ledisi emerged from San Francisco's independent music scene after forming her own record label, LeSun Music, when major labels proved uninterested in her artistry. Her breakthrough came with her 2007 album Lost & Found on Verve Forecast, which earned two Grammy nominations including Best New Artist, establishing her as a formidable force in contemporary soul and R&B music.
Over a prolific career spanning nearly three decades, Ledisi has released numerous albums that showcase her sophisticated blend of soul, jazz, and R&B. Her discography includes standout releases like Turn Me Loose (2009), Pieces of Me (2011), and The Truth (2014), followed by a shift to her own label, Listen Back Entertainment, with albums including The Wild Card (2020), Ledisi Sings Nina (2021), and her most recent work, The Crown (2025). A defining moment came at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards when her single "Anything for You" won Best Traditional R&B Performance, solidifying her status as an award-winning artist.
Beyond her musical achievements, Ledisi has cultivated a parallel career in film and television, bringing her artistry to dramatic roles that celebrate Black cultural icons. She portrayed the legendary Mahalia Jackson in both Selma (2014) and the documentary Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022), while also taking on roles as Patti LaBelle in the BET series American Soul and Gladys Knight in the film Spinning Gold (2023). Her multifaceted career demonstrates a commitment to artistic excellence across music, acting, and cultural storytelling.
