Her 2009 album, Turn Me Loose, hit number one on the Billboard RandB chart. In 2012, she published her first book, Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power, which is a collection of her personal photos, quotes, lyrics, and the story of her path to success.
Ledisi portrays the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the movie Selma which received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture in 2015. Previously, she sang in George Clooney's football comedy film, Leatherheads, in 2008.
Here are "Ten Reasons Why Ledisi is Michelle Obama's Favorite Artist."
1. December 2014 - Appears in Academy Award Nominee for Best Picture - 'Selma'
Ledisi portrays legendary gospel star Mahalia Jackson in the film Selma which was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Picture.
2. October 26, 2013 - 'Black Girls Rock' BET special
Ledisi is a favorite performer at BET's annual Black Girls Rock television special. She performed as a solo artist on October 26, 2013, and on October 16, 2010, she amazed the audience with her incredible voice as she sang the Nina Simone classic "Four Women" with Jill Scott,Marsha Ambrosius, and Kelly Price.
3. December 16, 2012 - 'VH1 Divas 2012'
On December 16, 2012, Ledisi, Jordin Sparks and Melanie Fiona performed a tribute to the late Whitney Houston during VH1 Divas 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
4. September 4, 2012 - Democratic National Convention
On September 4, 2012, Ledisi performed at the Democratic National Convention held at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. President Barack Obama was officially nominated to run for re-election at the convention.
5. February 12, 2012 - Three Grammy Awards Nominations
Ledisi's Pieces of Me album and single received three nominations for the 54th annual Grammy Awards which were presented on February 12, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. She was up for Best RandB Album, plus Best RandB Song and Best RandB Performance for the title track.
6. October 16, 2011 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C.
On October 16, 2011, Ledisi and Stevie Wonder performed at the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
7. January 31, 2010 - Two Grammy Awards Nominations
Ledisi received two nominations for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. She was up for Best RandB Album (Turn Me Loose) and Best Female RandB Vocal Performance ("Goin' Thru Changes").
8. July 5, 2008- Essence Music Festival with Patti LaBelle
Ledisi has performed several times at the annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. On July 5, 2008, she shared the stage at the Louisiana Superdome with one of her greatest admirers, Patti LaBelle.
9. March 2008 - Appeared in 'Leatherheads' starring George Clooney
In 2008, Ledisi appeared as a blues singer and performed the standard "The Man I Love" in the football comedy film Leatherheads starring George Clooney.
10. February 10, 2008 - Two Grammy Awards Nominations
Ledisi was nominated for Best New Artist, and Best RandB Album (Lost & Found), at the50th annual Grammy Awards which were presented at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 2008.