Leslie Smith may be considered one of the most upbeat survivors around. A runaway at age 13 singing on the streets of San Francisco for change, she returned home to New Orleans at age 15 to work her pipes and pass the hat in the French Quarter, and on Bourbon Street.
Her hitchhiking, cross-country travels gave her an insight into human nature that many never realize in a lifetime.
Leslie slugged her way to the top of the New Orleans jazz/ R&B scene, recording and performing with a who's who list of New Orleans greats, then retired and moved to the country to pursue a more "sane" life.
Leslie was dragged out of retirement in 1999 by Renegade Records to record a solo CD entitled "All Comes Down to Me". Working again with some of the Crescent Cities most talented musicians, including Henry Butler, Johnny Vidacovich, Charlie Brent, Daemon Batiste and the late great Julius Farmer, Leslie realized it was time to end her hiatus and jump back in with both feet. "All Comes Down to Me" pays tribute to her love of R&B and jazz influences, but Leslie realized it was time to do her own thing.
Leslie's music is straight up and unabashedly honest. The passion she brings to the table is derived from her early musical influences. A native of New Orleans, she experienced the intimate spirit and feeling of the gospel choirs and black music clubs in the heart of the city. Falling in love with the voice of Sarah Vaughn, and soaking up the R&B and soul music of New Orleans, she writes passionately and performs with an intensity that must be seen to be believed.
To date, she has two all original CD's to her credit, has won a Louisiana song writing competition that garnered her showcases at the Louisiana State Fair and the Frank Brown International Songwriting Festival, and had her songs recorded on multiple projects. Leslie also recently authored a book.