Kuh Ledesma

Maria Socorro Ledesma (born March 16, 1955), better known as Kuh Ledesma, is a Filipino pop and jazz singer.

Kuh Ledesma
Ledesma singing during a concert
Born
Maria Socorro Ledesma

(1955-03-16) March 16, 1955
Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Other namesPop Diva
OccupationSinger, actress, model, fashion designer, painter
Years active1980–present
ChildrenIsabella Gonzalez

She has been performing for 35 years in the music industry which encompasses more than 1,000 concerts all over the world, numerous awards in the Philippines, and 20 albums in the Philippine recording industry.

Ledesma is the first Filipino singer to become a recipient of the Salem Music Awards in London in March 1989. In 1997, she released her international debut album Precious in collaboration with American and Filipino songwriters, arrangers and musicians.[1][2]

Early life

Kuh Ledesma was born in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines with a Lebanese lineage.[3]

Career

Philippine and international music industry

Ledesma's career in music began when she joined the Lastiko band (formerly known as Ensalada band) in Bacolod while she was still a nursing student at Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod. Ledesma finished the course and successfully passed the Philippine National Nursing Board Exam and became a registered nurse. Ledesma and her bandmates Toto Gentica and Jet Montelibano later went to Manila to form the Music & Magic band which became pivotal for her career. She later received the lead role in the pop ballet Rama Hari by Alice Reyes. She eventually went solo with "Dito Ba?", Ledesma's first hit song.[1]

1980s

During the 1980s, Ledesma performed solo concerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Araneta Coliseum, PICC and the Philippine Folk Arts Theater.[1]

In 1982, Ledesma launched an all-Filipino concert, 'Ako ay Pilipino' ("I am a Filipino") at the Cultural Center of the Philippines which featured a repertoire of ethnic sounds, classic kundimans and pop songs, tapping into the rich node of indigenous art and contemporary pop music to produce alternative approaches to songs. Her show eventually became a television special followed by two albums. This was immediately followed by another production at the CCP, 'Inspired Madness' in 1983, which was created in collaboration with Philippine film director Peque Gallaga and musical director Ryan Cayabyab.[1]

During the political ambience of the 1980s, Ledesma paid tribute to Ninoy Aquino at the end of one of her shows at the Cultural Center of the Philippines by singing an a cappella rendition of "Impossible Dream" and "You'll Never Walk Alone (Hindi Ka Nagiisa)". From 1984 to 1986, Ledesma joined the APO Hiking Society in 'Ang Pinoy Nga Naman (1, 2, and 3)' at the Folk Arts Theater.[1]

On June 3, 1988, Ledesma performed in the musical KUH of the Year at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.

In March 1989, Ledesma was chosen as the first Philippine singer to be the recipient of the Salem Music Awards after competing against other top singers from Asia at the Royal Albert Hall in London.[1][2]

1990s

In the 1990s, Ledesma had a series of concerts with foreign artists such as Noel Pointer, Jack Jones, Kenny Rankin, The Platters and Michel Legrand followed by other concerts with popular Philippine artists such as Regine Velasquez (U.S. tour, 1999), Pops Fernandez and Jaya ('Power of Two', 1999). After Ledesma's four-night concert with the jazz violinist Noel Pointer, she released the album, The Voice, The Violin. Ledesma was also one of the judges in the coronation night of Miss Universe 1991. In February 1994, Ledesma had the 'Two of Hearts' concert with balladeer Jack Jones. During 1995's Valentine's season, she performed with Kenny Rankin. Ledesma started the new millennium in a Valentine show with The Platters. In 2002, Ledesma had Valentine presentation with Michel Legrand.[1]

Ledesma has her own production company Headline Concepts and built concert venues such as the Music Museum (a combined theater-restaurant built in 1988 at Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila) and the Republic of Malate. The Republic of Malate is a facility located along Mabini Street in Manila, which houses a restaurant, a bar, a watering hole, a game room, a tobacco area, a dance club and a theater. However, The Republic of Malate was destroyed by a fire in November 2001. Ledesma has plans of rebuilding the facility.[1]

Ledesma had a regular monthly television special called Akuhstic Café which is a musical travelogue that presented viewers the urban night life of Metro Manila by visiting clubs, lounges and concerts. Akuhstic Café was a grand finalist in the Asian Television Awards in Singapore for best musical program.[1]

In April 1997, Ledesma became the featured artist of the 'Muling Aawit ang Pasig', a benefit concert of former Philippine First Lady Ming Ramos for the restoration of the Pasig River.[1]

In 1998, the centennial year of Philippine Independence, after producing a Valentine concert at Fort Santiago, Manila, Ledesma was commissioned by the National Centennial Commission to stage a three-night centennial concert of the year, 'Lahi...Kami ang Pilipino' which was held at the Expo Center in the former Clark Airforce Base.[1]

2000s

Ledesma also owns Bravo Records, a music recording studio. She is known for building careers of new talented singers.[1]

Ledesma celebrated her 25th year in the music industry by holding a series of shows at Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila ('Kuh Ledesma Presents'). Ledesma has a goal of publishing a book of photographs to chronicle her career.[1]

Ledesma is also a member of the Artista Para Sa Pagbabago ("Artists for Change"), an organization of artists, environmentalists and businessmen. She was also the president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Malate.[1]

During the 2001 Philippine national elections, Ledesma was chosen by the PINATUBO (Pinag-isang Lakas Tungo sa Pagbabago) Party as a first nominee for congress. The PINATUBO Party has the goal of alleviating poverty in the Philippines through grass-roots development.[1]

In 2002, Ledesma teamed up with composer Michel Legrand in a back to back concert at the Philippine International Convention Center. Years prior to that, she teamed up with international artists Noel Pointer, Jack Jones and Kenny Rankin.

In 2009, she went on a tour called 'A Love Affair' with her daughter Isabella to New Zealand where she had a series of concerts in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton.[4]

Apart from performing and producing concerts and special shows, Ledesma also travels widely in the Philippines and abroad to deliver values formation lectures, and inspirational and motivational talks.[1]

2010s

In December 2011, she released her first gospel album entitled Fragrance of Worship.

Ledesma is also famous for putting together top artists in one concert such as the 'Divas 4 Divas' concert tour with Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Pops Fernandez.

Ledesma released her album Memories on Universal Records in 2014. She re-recorded her song, "I Think I'm in Love" for the album. American musician Marie Digby has covered the song.

Personal life
Kuh Ledesma's daughter, Isabella.

Ledesma was married to Luisito "Louie" Gonzalez (President Elpidio Quirino's grandson). Gonzalez's mother Vicky Quirino, daughter of the former President, married shipping magnate Francisco Delgado after the death of his first wife. Ledesma's former husband Gonzalez voluntarily surrendered to the NBI on July 16, 2008, after an arrest warrant for murder and physical injuries was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Thelma Medina amid the Court of Appeals' review of the case. Gonzalez was held for the killing of his step brother Federico Delgado on March 10, 2007, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds.[5][6][7][8] Ledesma has a daughter.

Ledesma is a born-again Evangelical Christian.[9]

Television and film

Television
YearTitleRoleNetwork
2002–2003BituinLyrica LunaABS-CBN
2004–2010ASAPHerself/Performer
2010Endless LoveCarina TantocoGMA Network
2013My Husband's LoverElaine Soriano
2013Sunday All StarsGuest judge
2013/2014The Ryzza Mae ShowHerself/guest with daughter Isabella Gonzalez
2014My DestinySelena Andrada
2015To The TopGuest Judge
2015Because Of YouCharina Santiago
2016Kalyeserye: The WeddingWedding Singer

Filmography

Ledesma has appeared in films such as:

Philippine theater

Ledesma performed in Rama Hari and Kapinangan.[1]

Philippine television

Ledesma produced several TV specials including the award-winning program, Kuh by Special Arrangement. She was also a co-host on the Sunday variety show ASAP Mania.[1]

She starred in her first TV soap, Bituin on ABS-CBN which premiered in September 2002 and appeared later on in Endless Love on GMA Network in June 2010. In 2013, she appeared on My Husband's Lover playing Elaine Soriano. She also re-recorded "One More Try" for the series (composed by Cecil Azarcon).

International performances

In 1982, Ledesma was chosen by international director Peter Weir to play the role of Tiger Lily in the film, The Year of Living Dangerously, to work with actors Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver.[1][10][11]

After becoming a model for Lux soap in the Philippines from 1984 to 1990, Ledesma also appeared in a series of print ads and television commercials for Lux in Singapore from 1988 to 1989, and in Indonesia in 1992.[1]

In March 1990, Ledesma appeared as a guest performer in a Gilbert Becaud's television show in Paris where she sang "Bulaklak" ("The Flower") in three languages (Filipino, English and French). In July 1990, she was the Philippine's representative-performer at the international television special, Earth 90 in Tokyo, Japan. Earth 90 was a show that celebrated the importance of the environment and was aired simultaneously around 80 countries. Ledesma was then on stage with artists such as Olivia Newton-John and John Denver. In the same year, Ledesma also joined the 'NHK-KAYO' parade in Tokyo.[1]

In 1991, Ledesma accepted the invitation to become a member of the panel of judges during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Las Vegas, US[1]

Discography
  • "Dito Ba?"
  • "Bulaklak"
  • "Till I Met You"
  • "Your Song"/"This One's for You" (remake and medley interpolation of 2 songs originally by Elton John and Barry Manilow, respectively)
  • "A Long, Long Time Ago"
  • "One More Try" (original version, released in 1984)
  • "I Think I'm in Love"
  • "Ako Ay Pilipino"
  • "One More Try" (re-recorded version and remake of her own hit song in 1981, used as the main theme for the GMA-7 2013 teledrama, My Husband's Lover)
  • "Miles Away"
  • "Sino ang Baliw" 1983
  • "Hello"
  • "Lihim"
  • "Paano kita Mapasaslamatan"
  • "Huwag kang Mangako"
  • "Wakas"
  • "Becha By Golly Wow"
  • "Home"
  • "Minsan Sa Isang Panahon"
  • "I Can't Help Myself"
  • "Don't Cry For Me Argentina"

Duets

  • "A Long & Lasting Love" – with Gary Valenciano
  • "What's Come Over Me" – with Richard Tann (composed by Cecile Azarcon)
  • "Till I Met You / I Feel Your Soul – with Noel Pointer (composed by Odette Quesada and Noel Pointer)
  • "Walang Hanggan" – with Janno Gibbs (composed by Wency Cornejo _
  • "A Dream Should Be" – with Christopher de Leon (composed by Butch Monserrat)
  • "Huwag Masanay Sa Pagmamahal" – with Apo Hiking Society
  • "Gratidute" – with Ray Ann Fuentes
  • "It All Begins at Home" – with Isabella (composed by Alvina Sy)
  • "Summer Without You" – with Chad Borja

Jingles

  • Tunay Na Ligaya composed by Ogie Alcasid for NIDO
  • One World of Nescafe composed by Louie Ocampo for NESCAFE
  • White Lux
  • Sa Health Center, Suportado Ka with Isabella for DOH
  • Anejo Rhum
  • Suntory Japan
  • Pilipino Ako composed by Cecile Azarcon for Banco Filipino
  • Dalawang Dekada for GMA 7 News and Public Affair with Freddie Aguilar, Cookie Chua, Jett Pangan and Joey Ayala
  • Panata Sa Bayan for GMA News and Public Affairs Anthem

Movie Themesongs / TV and Movie Soundtrack

  • Dito Ba composed by George Canseco for Miss X
  • Minsan Sa Isang Panahon composed by Greg Ching for Karma and Tinimbang Ang Langit
  • Fordeliza composedy by George Canseco for Flordeliza
  • Lumakad Ka composed by George Canseco for Babae
  • Brilyanteng Buhangin composed by Jun Latonio and Nicanor for Kasal
  • Bakit Ako Isinilang composed by George Canseco
  • Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan composed by George Canseco
  • Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon composed by George Canseco
  • Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa composed by Gines Tan for Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa
  • Nagbabagang Luha composed by Gines Tan for Nagbabagang Luha
  • Babaeng Hampaslupa composed by Gines Tan for Babaeng Hampalupa
  • So It's You composed by Cecile Azarcon for So It's You
  • One More Try (New Version) composed by Cecile Azarcon for My Husband's Lover
  • Father composed by Boom Dayupay for Crying Ladies

Studio albums
  • 1980: Kuh (LP and Cassettes)
  • 1981: Kuh's Magic (LP and Cassettes)
  • 1981: The Love Songs of Kuh (Cassettes)
  • 1982: Just You (LP and Cassettes)
  • 1983: Ako Ay Pilipino (LP, CD and Cassettes)
  • 1984: I Think I’m in Love (LP and Cassettes)
  • 1985: Unforgettable (LP, CD and Cassettes)
  • 1986: Too Marvelous for Words (LP, CD and Cassettes)
  • 1987: Feeling (LP and Cassettes)
  • 1987: My First Christmas Album (LP, CD and Cassettes)
  • 1989: Lihim (Cassettes)
  • 1991: Ba't Mahihiyang Sabihin (LP, CD and Cassettes)
  • 1992: Night and Day (Cassettes)
  • 1994: The Voice and the Violin (with Noel Pointer) (CD and Cassettes)
  • 1997: Precious (CD and Cassettes)
  • 1999: Akuhstic (CD and Cassettes)
  • 2000: Duet with Me (CD and Cassettes)
  • 2003: Diva2Diva (with Zsa Zsa Padilla) (CD and Cassettes)
  • 2007: K (CD)
  • 2011: Fragrance of Worship (CD)
  • 2014: Memories (CD)

Compilation albums
  • Greatest Hits Volume 1 (Blackgold)
  • Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Blackgold)
  • 1989: A Long Long Time Ago (Blackgold)
  • 1989: Dito Ba (Blackgold)
  • 1996: The Best of Kuh (Universal)
  • 2006: Till I Met You (Blackgold)
  • 2006: Ako ay Pilipino 2 CD Special Collectors Edition (Blackgold)
  • 2006: Silver Series (Viva)
  • 2010: 18 Greatest Hits (Viva)

Kuh's Many First"

  • First Filipino singer to fill up Araneta Coliseum
  • First Filipino singer to be a Salem Awardee in London 1989 (Royal Albert Hall)
  • First Filipino singer to record and all English OPM album (I Think I'm in Love in 1984)
  • First Filipino singer to put up an all OPM Concert in a major venue (Ang Pinoy Nga Naman at Folk Arts Theatre 198, 1985 and 1986)
  • First Filipino singer to have a huge Billboard at Sunset Boulevard for Album Promo (Precious, her U.S. debut album 1997)
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See also

References
  1. Kuh Ledesma Completely (website), KuhLedesma.net. Retrieved June 12, 2007
  2. Bolandrina, Gretheline. Kuh Ledesma at Boston's John Hancock Hall, Inquirer.net, June 15, 2007 Archived July 18, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 17, 2007
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 18, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2010.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "inquirer.net, Kuh Ledesma's ex-husband surrenders to NBI". Archived from the original on July 19, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2008.
  6. gmanews.tv/video, Ledesma's ex-hubby yields, says he's innocent in slay case, 16 July 2008
  7. "newsinfo.inquirer.net, Quirino grandson yields to NBI". Archived from the original on July 18, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2008.
  8. pr-inside.com, MAN SURRENDERS OVER 2 YEAR OLD MURDER CHARGES
  9. Kuh: Yes, of course, love still matters!, 6 February 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2019
  10. Full Cast and Crew for The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), IMDb.com. Retrieved June 13, 2007
  11. Canby, Vincent. New York Times Review: Year of Living Dangerously, January 21, 1983. Retrieved June 16, 2007
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