Leanne "Lelee" Lyons

Leanne Clency Lyons (born July 17, 1973), better known by her stage name Lelee, is an American singer–songwriter and television personality. Lyons is the founding member of the American vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV).

Leanne "Lelee" Lyons
Birth nameLeanne Clency Lyons
Also known as
  • Lelee
  • Lee
Born (1973-07-17) July 17, 1973
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • television personality
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1988–present
Labels
Associated actsSWV
Websitetwitter.com/LeleeLyons

Early life

Born Leanne Clencey Lyons in The Bronx, New York, Lyons father left the family when she was ten years old, leaving her and her five siblings to be raised by her mother.[1] By age fifteen, Lyons had left her mother's house and began living on her own. During her sophomore year at age sixteen, Lyons dropped out of Walton High School to support herself and her newborn daughter. Lyons was a mother of two by age seventeen, a daughter, Margaret (born September 12, 1988) followed by a son Khiry (born January 21, 1991).[2]

Career

Sisters With Voices (SWV)

Lyons joined with her neighborhood friend Cheryl Gamble to create a singing group after being inspired by watching the TV competition show Star Search. Shortly after, Gamble introduced Lyons to her friend Brooklyn native Tamara Johnson-George; and the group was formed. As SWV, they enjoyed a large amount of commercial success. Selling more than fifteen million albums worldwide, SWV became one of the most successful girl groups of all time and the 5th best selling girl group in R&B music.

Later life

SWV disbanded in 1997. In a 2014 interview with WE tv, Lyons commented on how the break-up of the group left her feeling: "Depressed and all over the place. I didn't know who I was. I had no drive, no light".

By 2005, she had received her G.E.D and was working a job at an accounting firm when she was contacted by Coko's (Cheryl Gamble) manager about a performance in Japan.)Lelee told this story on TV One's Unsung.

On January 30, 2014 she welcomed a granddaughter, through her son, named BraeLynn.

In 2019, Lelee began working on her autobiography "I Regret The Day I Lost My Virginity: You Are Not Your Past". In the book, Lyons tackles tough, personal subjects that would make most people uncomfortable. The book was released on July 17, 2019.

References
  1. SWV Reunited - Lelee
  2. Ebony Magazine - Super Singles - August 1996
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