Leela James speaks the truth. Never mind hype or spectacle. The acclaimed recording artist appreciates the eternal qualities of an undeniable star — raw talent, musical substance and an authentic voice that’s timeless. All of which are embodied on Leela James’ upcoming fourth studio album and new single “Say That,” a sultry duet with Anthony Hamilton.

Ms. James first burst onto the scene with her 2006 debut album A Change is Gonna Come, introducing audiences to her considerable vocal chops and garnering nominations for Outstanding New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist of 2008 at the Soul Train Music Awards. James has gone on to record three subsequent albums including My Soul, which reached #7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart and #37 on the Billboard 200 chart, and earned acclaim from critics for her songwriting skills.

What sets Ms. James apart is her fearless approach to making music. She travels the gamut of emotions from self-doubt to self-confidence, and reminds her audience of what it is to be human – to love, to regret and to dream.  “The best artists stay true to who they are, no matter the scale,” says James.  “I think you can be relevant and still have substance, so I try to never stay in a box. My sound today may be different than where I was five years ago, but my core is always the same. My soul is intact.”

For Leela, it’s always been about the soul. So much so that she was nicknamed Baby Etta as a little girl growing up in Los Angeles. Along with Chaka Khan and Al Green, she counts Etta James among her vocal heroes and paid homage in 2012 by recording her album Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James. Leela’s influences run the gamut of vocalists from soul to funk, and jazz, and her interpretation of music touches on synesthetic. “It’s the feel of the colors in an artist’s voicing and their power. Some artists make the hairs rise on my arm when they hit a certain note. Anybody can hold a tune, but make me feel it. Now that’s a sanger. ”

James has that kind of a voice — that of a sanger. Her power is obvious when she takes on the soul classics, and what truly resonates is her ability to harness it in the context of her own writing style. “I freestyle in the moment,” she says. “I vibe with the music and whatever comes out, that’s what it’s going to be.  I tend to fool around with melodies I’m hearing, and then I go back and fill in lyrics. If the music is making me feel good, that’s all I need.”

This newfound ease is apparent on her most recent work with tracks like “Say That” and “Fall For You.” A magical studio session with her contemporary Hamilton produced the infectious up-tempo single “Say That,” which captures James’ gutsy range and vocal abilities. The writing process was effortless when working with J Rilla (Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild) on “Fall For You.” Leela explains, “We knew we wanted to do something special. What it was, I wasn’t sure.  He sat down at the piano and he said, ‘just sing.’ It was amazing how it came about. He’s playing chords, and me, I’m just opening up my mouth. It was so special.” The result is a tender, introspective, and poignant ballad that demonstrates James’ maturity, vulnerability and vocal command.

James expanded her musical horizons by procuring a talented cast of collaborators to capture her vision on her new project, including producers Tim and Bob, Shannon Sanders, and Joe Ryan III and writers Rex Rideout (Ledisi, Kem, Luther Vandross) and Francii Richards (Fergie) “I’m drawn to producers that are musicians first and foremost, producers who know how to produce vocals and who want to see a song from beginning to end. I’m drawn to artists who share a love for music.”

James is on a slow, steady burn towards musical success. As an artist who is devoted to her craft, she’s taken the past several years to cultivate her home life too. “I’ve become a mommy. I love being a mother. You think you know love, but you don’t understand true love until you have a child. I’m in a happy place personally.” On her new album she channels that happiness and new sense of self, giving her audience the sound of an artist who is in a truly good, profound space.  

Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for. As she continues into her fourth decade of performing, the Philadelphia maven has returned to her roots with her latest project, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. "I was born gospel, so it's not like I'm coming back or trying to impress people with this new gospel project. I've always done this. I've never done a whole album. That's the only thing that's missing," observes the songstress. "I've come full circle where you can say it's a complete project." The church tour accompanied the release of The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. It began at The Potter's House in Texas, home to Bishop TD Jakes. Patti was blessed to have gospel legend Shirley Ceasar pray a special prayer, "for people to accept me as the new carrier of His word. God is working on me, He's working through me, and He's putting changes all over me - positive. I know I'm chosen. I know this is something I was meant to do. For 10 years now I've been trying to do this gospel album and I finally did it. And it feels so good singing these songs." For Ms. Patti, she simply desires for her fans not to judge her with this record and to be aware that this gift is from her heart and deep within her soul. "I want them to take away a beautiful message. I want them to take away a beautiful CD, which means take it home, buy it so that we can help with this cancer calling." That humility and honesty has been the true gospel according to Patti LaBelle. "Staying a person that people can say they encountered and she was very, very giving. She didn't get Hollywood on us. I never want to be thought of as a Hollywood person, you know the people who don't have time for the people who made them." The same motivation that had Patricia Louis Holt blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles to a solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at six-two years young. "Each year I grow, and that's a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it-It's not about making money because I don't need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I've got to get on that stage." And the world is thankful that Ms. Patti's preaching sounds so good to our ears.