Biography
PRESENTING
LEEE JOHN OFFICIAL PRESS BIOGRAPHY
Celebrating more than four decades at the forefront of international soul, funk and contemporary music, Leee John remains one of Britain’s most distinctive and enduring vocal talents. Best known as the unmistakable voice and frontman of iconic 1980s soul-funk group Imagination, Leee has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning recording, performing, and song writing, and production, film-making and humanitarian work.
With worldwide record sales exceeding 30 million, Imagination became one of the most influential British groups of the early 1980s, creating a timeless catalogue of global hits including “Body Talk,” “Just An Illusion,” “In The Heat Of The Night,” “Music And Lights” and “Flashback.” Their sophisticated blend of soul, funk, electronic production and unforgettable visual style helped define an era and continues to influence generations of artists, producers and fans worldwide.
From the formation and international breakthrough of Imagination in the early 1980s through to today, Leee John has remained a dynamic and creative force within popular music. His extraordinary vocal ability, charismatic stage presence and commitment to musical innovation have established him as one of the most respected performers within the global soul and dance music community.
Across more than 40 + years of performing, recording, writing and producing, Leee has built a loyal international following spanning Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and many French-speaking territories, where his music continues to inspire audiences of all generations.
THE LEGACY OF IMAGINATION
Even today the influence of Imagination continues to grow through an ever-expanding catalogue of samples, remixes and reinterpretations by major artists and producers around the world.
The group’s classic recordings have inspired artists including The Pharcyde, Dimitri From Paris and Destiny’s Child, whose debut album famously featured a sample of the Imagination classic “Just An Illusion.” Global superstar Mariah Carey later recorded her own interpretation of “Illusion” within her Top 10 hit single “Get Your Number.”
A CAREER OF COLLABORATION
Beyond his ground breaking success with Imagination, the incomparable Leee John has continually expanded his creative horizons through an impressive catalogue of solo recordings and international collaborations, working alongside some of the most respected artists, producers and songwriters across soul, jazz, dance and pop music.
His song writing and recording collaborations span an eclectic range of talent, including acclaimed Brazilian singer-songwriter Jorge Vercillo, Belgian proto-punk icon Plastic Bertrand, British soul artist Robb Scott, and Damon Albarn as part of the virtual band Gorillaz.
One of Leee's most celebrated recent collaborations saw him feature on Gorillaz's acclaimed track "The Lost Chord" from the 2020 album Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez. The globally successful release amassed millions of streams worldwide, introducing Leee's unmistakable and timeless vocals to an entirely new generation of listeners. Followed by 3 sold out shows at the 02 London
Leee has teamed up with Plastic Bertrand (the late 70s Belgium punk hero)on the explosive "Don't Stop the world ",
"It Feels So Good,” a collaboration with legendary New York DJ, producer and songwriter Victor Simonelli, hit all the dance charts internationally.
"Gotta Get Over You," a coproduction and co-written, with UK soul music maestro Robb Scott a beautifully crafted , song which paid homage to the timeless soul of classic sounds 1970’s 80s soul music which got to number 1 in uk soul charts .
Intimate Glow album, a recent collaboration with renowned soul-jazz keyboardist from the group Shakatak and co-founder “Bill Sharpe”, a beautiful blend of contemporary soul, jazz and funk featured the UK Soul Chart No.1 single "Take Me Back," which included outstanding performances from Mark King (Level 42) on bass and Friðrik Karlsson (MEZZOFORTE) on guitar. With the outstanding Ernie McKone "Boogie Back" REMix, further cementing its success with soul and jazz-funk audiences.
Among his many other career highlights are collaborations with house music legend Peter Rauhofer's For Club 69-leee had top ten track he wrote with “IT GETS MUCH BETTER “with Stonebridge in US.
David Morales- number 1 in US with “INSTINCTUAL “ which brought David Morales into the public eye. "The Mighty Power of Love," remixed by the legendary production duo Mood II Swing gave Leee a US billboard hot 100 number 2 position.
The British Collective, Leee joined fellow British soul luminaries Don-E, Junior Giscombe, Noel McKoy and Omar on the critically acclaimed album The Renaissance Begins, which produced another UK Soul Chart No.1 single "Love Me Tonight."
Time to Move On." Written, performed and co-produced by Leee John, for Mary Wilson of The Supremes, resulting in a the Billboard Top 15 billboard Dance Chart hit. Further demonstrated his versatility as a songwriter, vocalist and producer.
SOLO CAREER & NEW MUSIC
“Feel My Soul,” demonstrated his versatility as an artist, blending soul, jazz, funk and contemporary influences. Became an acclaimed jazz-soul album and today stands the test of time.
“Retropia” marked a celebrated return to the sophisticated soul-funk sound associated with Imagination’s golden era, combining modern production with atmospheric grooves, emotional depth and Leee’s unmistakable vocal signature, featured from Mike LINDUP from LEVEL 42 a duet of the Stevie wonder song “Visions”
The album produced three UK chart-topping soul and reggae singles:
- “Do It Right Now” – UK Soul Chart No.1
- “Make Your Mind Up / Fantasia” – UK Soul Chart No.1
- “Police & Thieves” – UK Reggae Chart No.1
“Police & Thieves,” co-produced with British reggae legend Dennis Bovell, offered a powerful new interpretation of the Junior Murvin classic, originally produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry. The song’s themes of social division, injustice and political tension remain highly relevant today.
More recently we see the release of “LEEE JOHN ‘JAZZZ ‘ep ,” a beautifully crafted acoustic jazz project recorded live at London’s renowned Crypt Studio. The EP features an exceptional line-up of musicians including Elaine Delmar, Mel Gaynor, Dr John Watson, Neville Malcolm, Dave Mansell, Yves Erson and Shumya, presenting a warm and intimate showcase of Leee’s jazz influences.
“All In Your Eyes” The accompanying single continues to demonstrate his ability to move effortlessly between soul, jazz and contemporary music.
NEW PROJECTS
SEXY CITY LIGHTS - Leee John continues to create and release new music and film production, with exciting projects including his collaboration with DDG Project on “Sexy City Lights,” with Leee filming and directed his scenes in London, while DDG filmed in Italy and then both combined to create “Sexy City Lights,” which has received international attention on the short film circuit globally receiving 10 major short film awards.
The legacy of Imagination and Leee john was celebrated with the release of DJ Destruction’s “Mighty Mash Up,” a powerful four-minute mega mix featuring iconic Imagination classics includes “Music And Lights,” “Burning Up,” “Changes” and “Just An Illusion.”
The project introduces the timeless Imagination sound to a new generation of listeners, DJs and music fans worldwide.
Leee’s latest project is with fellow powerhouse falsetto vocalist Byron Stingily, legendary voice of Ten City, for the uplifting dance anthem “Proud & Bold.” Written and produced by Leee John and Dee Vaz for LJ Music Ltd, the single celebrates self-belief, resilience, unity and hope through a powerful combination of soulful vocals and contemporary production.
A brand-new Leee John solo album is currently in full production and expected for release soon.
FILM, DOCUMENTARY & CREATIVE WORK
Alongside music, Leee John has developed an impressive career in documentary production and directing, exploring culture, heritage and social issues.
His documentary projects include “Police & Thieves,” highlighting inspirational individuals within London communities, and “I Love St Lucia,” a celebration of the Caribbean island’s culture, heritage and people.
Leee is currently producing and directing the ambitious documentary project “Flashback,” an in-depth exploration of the history and cultural impact of British Black music.
With more than 100 interviews completed, the documentary features contributions from some of the most respected names in music and broadcasting, including Beverley Knight, Eddy Grant, Billy Ocean, Trevor Nelson, Omar, Maxi Priest, Ali Campbell, Mike Lindup, Courtney Pine, Ruby Turner, Hamish Stuart and Sonique, among many others.
HUMANITARIAN & CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Leee John has always used his platform to support important social and humanitarian causes.
He has worked extensively with SOS Children’s Villages, travelling internationally to support charitable and cultural initiatives, and published the book “From within the Heart” documenting his experiences in South Africa.
His commitment to social justice also continues through his support of the Justice4Windrush Campaign, working alongside artists, actors and campaigners calling for recognition and support for the Windrush generation.
In 2023, Leee’s mother Jessie Stephens MBE was honoured through the Windrush Portraits exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, recognising her outstanding contribution to community work and British cultural history.
Leee’s own life story was also featured within the acclaimed BBC anthology series “Small Axe” directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen, with his character portrayed in the episode by Tyrone Huntley currently in Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas . “Red, White and Blue. “ Story of Leee’s best friend Leroy Logan MBE.
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Leee John remains one of the hardest-working performers in music today, continuing to tour internationally as Leee John of Imagination, alongside his acclaimed LEEE JOHN JAZZ QUARTET and solo performances.
His live shows celebrate the timeless Imagination classics alongside new material, combining soul, funk, jazz and contemporary dance influences.
Throughout his career, Leee has shared stages and performed alongside some of the world’s greatest artists including Gorillaz, Nile Rodgers, The Jacksons, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Incognito and Kid Creole & The Coconuts.
THE STORY CONTINUES…
As a singer, songwriter, producer, performer and director, Leee John continues to push creative boundaries while celebrating a remarkable musical legacy built over more than 40 + years.
From the unforgettable sound of Imagination to exciting new collaborations, documentary projects and future releases, Leee John remains a true pioneer of British soul music, inspiring audiences worldwide and proving that timeless music has no boundaries.
