The Music of
Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith is one of the most talented artists New
Orleans has to offer. Born in New Orleans, she started
out singing on the street but was quickly invited by the
finest musicians in the Crescent City to play in the
premier music venues. By 17 she reigned on the club
scene and by age 19 was featured in the book, "From
The Cradle of Jazz" as the future of New Orleans
music.

Leslie has performed and recorded with a Who's Who
of New Orleans finest artists including Ellis Marsalis
and Allen Toussaint, who calls her "One of Louisiana
greatest treasures."

In 2002, she was named, "A Cultural Ambassador of
New Orleans music," by Mayor Marc Morial and
featured in a mural for the Armstrong International
Airport documenting influential artists. Leslie received
a certificate of appreciation for her musical
contributions by the Louisiana Music Commission,
was filmed by the Jazz and Heritage Foundation for the
library archives documenting important woman in jazz.
Leslie has done radio and television appearances all
over the United States and other countries.

Not content with being the "Jazz Diva of New
Orleans," she began branching out with her
considerable talents into other aspects of the music
industry, making waves as a songwriter, producer, and
most recently, author with her book on the history of
the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (e/prime
publishing 2005).

She has performed at many New Orleans Jazz Fests
and other regional, national and international festivals.
She has also performed at Lincoln Center.

Ms. Smith has had a varied and interesting recording
career, with multiple CD's in many different styles
including jazz, R&B and gospel.

Her stage presence is riveting, captivating audiences
wherever she goes. Her experience is evident, she's
comfortable from the smallest stage to the biggest
arena. Her passion for music is obvious, making Leslie
an easy artist to love.

Note  from  Dora:


I met Leslie after Hurricane Katrina when my husband became
involved with fund raising for the people of  New Orleans.  We
have become close friends in this short time and we have come to
love Leslie, her family and her music.  

Please go to her website www.onlyleslie.com for complete
information and  Leslie's unique story.  The music you are  hearing
was recorded this year on a CD produced by Ivan Neville titled
"Feel Me".