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.