S.O.B.'s
presents Neo-Soul singer/songwriter Leela James. James cites
legendary singers James Brown, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye,
Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples and Stevie Wonder
as her influences. Her deep, rich and, gritty vocals have drawn
comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner.
James’ debut album, entitled A Change Is Gonna Come, was released
on June 21, 2005. The album was conceived as a throwback to an earlier
era of American soul music, building upon the legacy of 1960s and 1970s
soul singers while incorporating elements of contemporary R&B, funk,
and gospel. In the lyrics to the album’s lead single, entitled “Music,” James
laments the current state of contemporary popular music.
She condemns
the glorification of materialism and misogyny that has often been attributed
to the lyrical content of contemporary R&B and hip hop songs while
pleading for the return of the artistry, dedication, and sincerity displayed
by musicians of earlier decades.
