Ledisi (Photo provided by Roland Jack)
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- On Wednesday night, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ledisi will take the stage at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome as part of Alabama State University's homecoming celebration leading up to the Turkey Day Classic.
During a phone conversation, the friendly singer, who is known for her empowering lyrics and uplifting messages, said one hope she has for her music is that it inspires her fans to embrace their own identities, flaws and all.
"There's nothing more beautiful than being the person that you are, as you are," said Ledisi. "If there is something you want to change, change for yourself and not for others."
Several of the singer's songs on her latest album, "Pieces of Me," serve as anthems of encouragement and love, including the song her most recent tour was named after, "Be Good to Yourself." In the song, Ledisi says:
Oh, when you're traveling through the highs and the lows, make sure you listen to your spirit. You gotta take care of your soul. Hold on, never give up. you can get through whatever. Always make time for yourself.
In the video for her feel-good single "Bravo," Ledisi, 34, said she wanted to address the subject of self-acceptance by portraying stereotypes and their negative effects on human relationships and self-image.
"The concept for the video was the erasing of stereotypes and labels that we put on one another," said Ledisi. "The message was for people to celebrate who they are and the life that they have."
The daughter of a singer, Ledisi first tapped into her musical roots during her childhood in New Orleans by performing with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. When she was 10, her family moved to Oakland, Cali., and the singer used music to discard her shy, sometimes awkward image among her classmates.
In the past year, Ledisi has experienced of whirlwind of new experiences. In addition to headlining a tour, she also performed at the Democratic National Convention and released a book about her struggle for self-acceptance.
Ledisi said the inspiration to collaborate with ESSENCE on her book, "Better than Alright: Finding Peace, Love and Power," came from her desire to help others struggling with image issues the way she has in the past.
"It took one person believing in me to help me get where I am," said Ledisi. "So, it inspired me to write a book as a platform to reach different people as well."
When asked about performing for President and First Lady Obama, Ledisi said it was a moment of deep pride in her career.
"They inspire me so much," said the singer. "It made me feel proud to be an American, coming from different walks of life and being able to celebrate who we are is a great feeling."
Ledisi with perform at the Oliver-Dunn Acadome at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets range from $50 to $75.