Maysa Leak facts for kids

Maysa Leak (born August 16, 1966) is an American jazz singer. Most people know her by her stage name, Maysa. She is famous for her solo music and for singing with the British band Incognito. Fans of a music style called smooth jazz especially love her work.

Early Life and Music Start

Maysa grew up in Baltimore County, Maryland. She went to Milford Mill High School. After high school, she studied music at Morgan State University in Baltimore. She earned a degree in classical music. While there, she sang in the famous Morgan State University Choir.

Singing with Stevie Wonder

During her time in college, Maysa met the legendary musician Stevie Wonder. After she finished college, Maysa moved to Southern California. She joined Stevie Wonder's backup singing group called Wonderlove.

• While with Stevie Wonder, Maysa sang on the Jungle Fever movie soundtrack.
• She also performed on many TV shows. These included The Arsenio Hall Show, Oprah, and The Tonight Show.

Joining Incognito

In the early 1990s, Maysa tried out for the British jazz, funk, and R&B band Incognito. She auditioned over the phone! In 1992, she moved to London to join the band.

• She recorded the album Tribes, Vibes & Scribes with them.
• This album featured a popular song called "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing."
• Maysa has sung on more than seven Incognito albums since then.

Solo Career and Awards

Maysa released her first solo album, Maysa, in 1995. She then released many more albums over the years. Some of her albums include All My Life (2000), Out of the Blue (2002), and Smooth Sailing (2004).

• Her album Metamorphosis (2008) reached number one on a Billboard jazz chart.
• In 2010, her 8th solo album, A Woman in Love, also hit number one on the Contemporary Jazz Charts.
• Her 9th album, Motions of Love (2011), also reached number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart.

Maysa has also worked with other famous jazz artists. These include Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, and Jonathan Butler. She also sang with bands like Jason Miles' Soul Summit and Pieces of a Dream.

In 2009, Maysa won a special award. It was called The Centric Award: Soul Approved/Underground. This was a new award from the Soul Train Awards.

Helping Others

Maysa has also used her voice to help others. She became a spokesperson for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is a serious illness that can affect babies born too early.

• She appeared in public service announcements (PSAs) about RSV.
• Her son, Jazz, was also in these commercials.
• These PSAs were sponsored by the March of Dimes, an organization that helps mothers and babies.

Personal Life

Maysa still lives in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a son named Jazz.

Music Albums

Maysa has released many albums throughout her career. Here is a list of her main solo albums: