Liz Lands facts for kids

Elizabeth Lands (born February 11, 1939 – died January 11, 2013) was an amazing American soul singer. She was known for her powerful voice. She started her music career with Motown Records. Motown was a famous record company that helped many Black artists become stars.

Elizabeth Lands's Musical Journey

Early Life and Starting Out

Elizabeth Lands was born on February 11, 1939. She grew up in the Georgia Sea Islands. Later, her family moved to New York City. After that, she moved to Detroit. In Detroit, she became involved with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This group worked to gain equal rights for all people.

While performing at a special event, Elizabeth was noticed by Berry Gordy. He was the founder of Motown Records. Berry Gordy was very impressed by her voice. He first signed her to his gospel music label. Soon, he moved her to his R&B label, Gordy Records. She released her first song there in 1963.

Singing for Important Moments

In December 1963, Elizabeth Lands released a special song. It was a tribute to President John F. Kennedy. He had passed away a month before. Her song, "May What He Lived for Live," was shared with many people. It was played at a big meeting for politicians in 1964.

Elizabeth Lands also performed this song at a very important event. She sang it at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. This showed how important her music was during that time.

After Motown and Later Years

Elizabeth Lands left Motown Records in 1965. She then started her own record label. It was called T & L Records. She created it with her husband, Tommy Brown, who was also a singer. They released two songs on their new label.

In 1967, she released another song with One-derful Records. A year later, her voice was featured on a special record. It was the famous "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr.. Her song "We Shall Overcome" was on the other side. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, Elizabeth Lands recorded new music. She worked with Ian Levine for his Motorcity label.

Elizabeth Lands passed away in January 2013.

Discography

• 1963: "May What He Lived For Live" / "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" (Gordy 7026)
• 1964: "Midnight Johnny" / "Keep Me" (Gordy 7030)
• 1965: "Echo In The Background (Of My Broken Heart)" / "Qualify For My Love" (T & L 1001)
• 1965: "Let It Be Me" / "Cotton Fields" (T & L 1002)
• 1967: "One Man's Poison" / "Don't Shut Me Out" (One-derful 4847)
• 1968: Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. / Liz Lands And The Voices Of Salvation – "I Have A Dream" / "We Shall Overcome" (Gordy 7023)
• 1990: "Starting All Over Again" (12" single) - (Motor City MOTC 28)