Leee John – UK Soul Legend

Leee John – UK Soul Legend

 “Leee“ John  is a British musician, singer, and actor of St Lucian descent, who was born in London’s East End and partly raised in New York.

Leee rose to fame as the lead singer of smooth 80s soulsters Imagination, who topped the charts with hits Body Talk, Changes and Just An Illusion.

Since then, he’s been an actor, solo singer and filmmaker. He’s currently working on a documentary about the history of black music in the UK, amongst a whole host of other project.

Tell us about your latest project.

My latest project is FLASHBACK, the history of UK black music, which I have been working on for the last decade. FLASHBACK contains over 100 interviews (600 hours) which will be eventually screened as an 8 part series so STAY TUNED!

I have a duet with the legendary Belgian artist Plastic Bertrand out in the summer called “Don’t Stop!”– a song with a strong message that will uplift everyone, it’s very funky.

Another track coming later this year is with 2 x Grammy awardwinning South American artist Jorge Vercilo –Jorge sings beautifully in Portuguese and I sing in English. In other news, I just completed a smooth Jazz album with Shakatak’s Bill Sharp called “Intimate Glow” which will be released very soon. Of course, for Gorillaz fans who saw the show I was part of in December (which got over a million streams), you’ll know I performed the duet I wrote with the Gorillaz team. I play Poseidon if you can recognise me…

Leee and Damon Albarn of Gorillaz

 

Leee John as a happy smiley kid

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a kid, I loved Madame Tausauds in Baker St, London.

I love history and learning about people, so the wax figures were always of interest to me as they looked so life-like. I dreamed I’d one day meet these people for real…some of which I have LOL.

 

 

 

 

Where is your favourite place to eat with family?

 

 

 

 

Ana Capri, Italian restaurant in Marylebone, London

 

 

My family and friends go to this Italian restaurant, yet again in Baker St, called Ana Capri.

The staff are always fun and friendly and I LOVE their Chicken Sorpressa.

 

 

 

 

Where would you recommend to travel with family in the UK?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A nice place to visit in the UK would be Brighton! It’s always a great day out by the beach with its a colourful atmosphere. There are markets if your keen on antiques. There are great restaurants, bars and cafes such as Big Beach Cafe. In the good times there are great live venues to see bands but, for now, a quiet moment by the sea with some Brighton rock and a paper packet filled with fish and chips is always a great lasting moment .

 

Outside of the UK would have to be St Lucia, where my family comes from. I think any family would enjoy this place as the people are warm, friendly. Everyone feels at home!

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a favourite place to shop?

 

 

 

 

“Leee John” from 80s soul band Imagination for Polari Magazine

 

 

Too many to mention, but I like to see the latest fashions for men, by new designers, so anything different and unique. Another shop I love to visit is FOPP on Earlham St. as they have a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, books on musicians, artists and special box sets. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of music and film history and the prices are so reasonable!

 

 

 

 

Where do you recommend going with kids in London?

 

 

 

 

 

I love to go to the Funfair. It takes us all back to childhood, you never grow up at a funfair, especially Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

What would be your perfect day out with family?

 

 

 

 

Leee and DJ Gary Crowley

Just an opportunity of all of us being together, eating, drinking, laughing. Enjoying life at my house is cool.

 

 

 

Pssst… why not check out DJ and journalist Gary Crowley’s Best Days Out?