Loretta Lee

Loretta Lee, a native of Chicago, is widely recognized as a smooth and sophisticated jazz vocalist who is steadily making a name for herself in the Chicago music scene. Known for her captivating vocal style, Loretta is also renowned for her remarkable and striking impersonation of the legendary Billie Holiday. Her performance closely mirrors the iconic singer, a talent that first gained attention during the musical production Rhythm on Wheels at the Legacy Theatre and Kenwood Academy.

On April 16, 2011, Loretta premiered Remembering Billie Holiday, a musical documentary she wrote, performed, and directed at the Illinois Institute of Technology, accompanied by the Generations Big Band. This production was followed by performances on February 9, 2013, at the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center, and on February 23, 2013, at Prairie State College. May 17, 2014, marked the fourth production of Remembering Billie Holiday at Carver Military Academy, where Loretta’s extraordinary performance consistently earned rave reviews. This show was once again accompanied by The Sound Mine Merchants Big Band. Further notable performances took place on October 10, 2015, at the Harold Washington Cultural Center and November 14, 2015, at Thornton Township High School.

Loretta later refined her craft with training at the ETA Theatre, completing an acting course, and at Bloom School of Jazz, where she took a vocal jazz course to expand her musical repertoire.

On June 1, 2011, Loretta released her debut album, GOODBYE, which she produced herself. The album features programming and piano by Mike Logan and trumpet by Ken Cooper. One of the standout tracks, “Day By Day,” became a favorite in the Steppers community, and Loretta performed for three years in Detroit, Michigan, at the Christmas Steppers and Ballroom Party. On September 1, 2012, she released a new original CD single, “Stay A While With Me,” with lyrics by Loretta Lee and Gregory Edwards Sr., and music arrangement, programming, and piano by Carnell C. Newbill.

Loretta Lee has performed at numerous prestigious venues, including the First Charity Chicago Automobile Show at McCormick Place, the Mahogany Black Heritage Awards, and the Chicago Music Awards at Excalibur Nightclub. She has graced stages at the Chicago Daley Center, private corporate affairs, and notable events such as the Senior Obama Inauguration Ball at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, as well as three consecutive performances for the Senior Christmas Shows at the Hyatt. Her performances have also been featured at Lincoln High School Alumni events in Fort Smith, Arkansas, The Alpha Fraternity New Year's Party at the Best Western Hotel, Room 43, Green Dolphin Street, the Green Mill, and the Oak Lawn Hilton.

As a sultry jazz vocalist, Loretta has performed at the University Park Country Club & Family Fling Festival, Phoenix Festival, Caribbean Festival, African Festival, and the South Shore Country Club Jazz Festival, accompanied by The Sound Mine Merchants Big Band. She has also appeared on The William Brown Show: Songs of Love on Chicago Access Channel 19, and Geri Patterson’s Report to the People on Channel 25.

Beyond her work as a jazz vocalist, Loretta is a multi-talented performer and impersonator. She has given exceptional performances as an R&B and gospel soloist. In addition to her musical talents, Loretta enjoys roller skating, stepping, and Latin dancing. With great passion and soul, she continues to sing and perform, making her a truly phenomenal entertainer.

Contact Information
Phone: (773) 720-1923
Email: [email protected]