Born in Oakland, California, Arlee Leonard has been singing all her life. She began performing at age six with her musician parents at coffee houses and venues in Detroit and New Orleans. Her musical influences are the classic voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday—with a sprinkling of the sultry Sade and the sweetly soaring Minnie Ripperton. She has combined those influences into her unique singing style. She has evolved a multifaceted, soulful singing and performing style all her own.
Arlee's performance flows from low caress to rhythmic explosion, moving easily from straight-ahead jazz and swing to soulful grooves, Afro/Latin rhythms, ballads and blues—all done with that certain sophistication that she brings to the stage. When not performing overseas, Arlee performs regularly in her adopted home of New York City.
This woman loves to sing and perform, and it shows!