Style Weekly
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A soulful legacy
by Craig Belcher
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Ledisi isn't ashamed to sing what's in her heart. In 2000, she released a personal song about a father sexually abusing his daughter, called "Papa Loved to Love Me." The song was made even more notable as her father is Larry Sanders, who was known as "The Prophet of Soul." Her musical lineage didn't start there, however. The ill-fated crooner Johnny Ace was her grandfather, who lost a game of Russian roulette right before a show. She's toiled as an independent artist for six years, releasing two CDs that were ignored by mainstream radio and are now collector's items. With her recent signing to the Verve label, it's time for the neo-soul singer to manifest the meaning of her name and "bring forth." Ledisi opens for Michael Franks June 22 at Fridays at Sunset at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 644-8515 or visit www.fridaysatsunset.com. S
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