R&B powerhouse singer/songwriter Leela James first burst onto the scene with her 2005 debut album A Change is Gonna Come, introducing audiences to her soaring sultry vocal dexterity. She quickly garnered 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 five subsequent albums including My Soul, which reached #7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart with the song "Don't Want You Back" which rose to #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart. Now experience her live with your Grand Rapids Symphony!

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Symphony with Soul: Leela James

DeVos Performance Hall

In 2006, the Grand Rapids Symphony created Celebration of Soul, an event to honor the accomplishments of individuals and organizations that celebrate the importance of diversity, inclusion and bridge-building in West Michigan. The Grand Rapids Symphony’s commitment to establishing a diverse community reverberates in all the orchestra’s programs and services. This is reflected in the selection of diverse guest artists and conductors who embrace diversity, Symphony musicians who donate their time, as well as Symphony music education programs that serve schools in which arts education is a fraction of the curriculum. 

Grand Rapids Symphony Community Chorus

Feb 10, 2024

Symphony with Soul: Leela James

Feb 11, 2023

Celebration of Soul

Grand Rapids Symphony Community Chorus