Leanne Lyons, born on July 17, 1973, in The Bronx, New York, had a tumultuous childhood. Her father abandoned the family when she was only 10 years old, leaving her mother to raise Leanne and her five siblings on her own. Despite the challenges she faced, Leanne was determined to create a better life for herself and her family.
At the young age of 16, Leanne made the difficult decision to drop out of high school in order to support herself and her newborn daughter. The responsibilities of motherhood weighed heavily on her shoulders, but Leanne never gave up. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, knowing that education would have to wait for another time.
Leanne's passion for music became her saving grace during these challenging years. In 1990, she joined forces with Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George and Cheryl "Coko" Gamble to form the R&B group Sisters With Voices, also known as SWV. Initially starting as a gospel group, SWV quickly gained recognition for their soulful harmonies and powerful vocal performances.
In 1992, SWV released their debut studio album "It's About Time," which became a massive success. The album was certified multi-platinum, selling over 2 million copies and propelling the group to stardom. Hits like "Right Here" and "I'm So Into You" solidified SWV's status as one of the premier R&B acts of the '90s.
Despite their success, SWV faced internal conflicts and ultimately disbanded in 1998. However, in 2005, Leanne and her bandmates reunited, much to the delight of their loyal fan base. The group continued to release music and tour, proving that their bond was stronger than ever.
Leanne Lyons, alongside Taj and Coko, cemented their place in music history as trailblazers in the R&B genre. Their soulful sound and authentic lyrics resonated with audiences around the world, establishing SWV as a timeless musical force.
Despite her demanding career in music, Leanne never lost sight of what truly mattered to her - family. By the age of 17, she was a mother of two, juggling the responsibilities of parenthood with her passion for music. Her unwavering dedication to her children and siblings is a testament to her strength and resilience.
In August 2015, SWV released the promotional single "Ain't No Man" as a preview for their highly anticipated fifth studio album. The group's music continued to captivate audiences, showcasing their evolution as artists while staying true to their R&B roots.
Leanne Lyons, the Bronx-born powerhouse, defied the odds to achieve success in an industry that often overlooks women like her. Her journey from a struggling teen mother to an acclaimed R&B singer is a testament to her tenacity and talent. Leanne's story serves as inspiration to anyone facing adversity, proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible.