LEELA JAMES

See photos of new "My Black Is Beautiful" host Leela James.

Leela James - Leela was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

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Leela James - Leela was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

Leela James - While in high school, Leela sang in talent showcases and competitions to pursue a singing career.

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Leela James - While in high school, Leela sang in talent showcases and competitions to pursue a singing career.

Leela James - In 2004, she toured as the opening act for Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray.

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Leela James - In 2004, she toured as the opening act for Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray.

Leela James - She draws her influences from Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Gladys Knight and Donny Hathaway.

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Leela James - She draws her influences from Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Gladys Knight and Donny Hathaway.

Leela James - Leela attended college at California State University.

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Leela James - Leela attended college at California State University.

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Leela James - Her debut album, “A Change is Gonna Come,” was released in 2005.

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Leela James - Her debut album, “A Change is Gonna Come,” was released in 2005.

Leela James - Leela was nominated for a 2006 NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding New Artist category.

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Leela James - Leela was nominated for a 2006 NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding New Artist category.

Leela James - In between her first two albums, she toured places outside of the U.S. like the Netherlands, Switzerland and South Africa.

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Leela James - In between her first two albums, she toured places outside of the U.S. like the Netherlands, Switzerland and South Africa.

Leela James - In 2008, she received a Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist nomination from the Soul Train Music Awards.

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Leela James - In 2008, she received a Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist nomination from the Soul Train Music Awards.

Leela James - Her 2009 album, “Let’s Do It Again,” covered classic R&B soul music.

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Leela James - Her 2009 album, “Let’s Do It Again,” covered classic R&B soul music.

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Leela James - Leela’s latest album is “My Soul,” which she says is a more accurate portrait of her than her previous work.

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Leela James - Leela’s latest album is “My Soul,” which she says is a more accurate portrait of her than her previous work.

Leela James - Leela wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on “My Soul.”

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Leela James - Leela wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on “My Soul.”