Regina Leonard

Charlotte Tenney
The Presidio
"Regina..., an Amazon in both presence and voice, with an uninhibited style reminisiscent of Janis Joplin"
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Combining her early roots in Motown and R&B with her love of Country, Americana and Folk music, Regina Leonard has carved out a unique blend of songwriting all her own.
She was born in Long Island, N.Y., and raised in North Carolina by a middle-class single mother who introduced Regina to her first sounds of Motown and R&B. Regina's passion to sing and play music would lie dormant for many years as she followed a strict religions upbringing. However, in her early 20s tragedy and frustration led her to leave the confines of her religion and venture out into the world of music and theater.
She began singing in nightclubs and coffee shops to anyone who would listen. She eventually caught the ear of some of Raleigh's finest musicians while studying theater at Meredith College and performing in local and regional productions. After recording a demo, she decided to take her show on the road to San Francisco where she sang backup with a variety of blues bands. A self-proclaimed "beach girl", her next move was to San Diego.
Her journey from San Francisco to San Diego included a new obsession with Americana, Folk and Gospel music. Americana was a way for Regina to feel connected to her Southern roots wherever she went. Gospel re-connected Regina with a once lost sense of spirituality. She found a home in some of the most musical churches in San Diego. With influences ranging from Ray Charles to Patty Griffin, she immersed herself in the process of telling her story through writing songs.
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