Biography
Kuh Ledesma followed a trajectory reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Barbra Streisand, beginning her career as a vocalist before moving successfully into motion pictures. Across nearly two decades of sustained activity in the Philippines, she accumulated a catalog of hit recordings, more than a dozen of which attained platinum and gold status. She also hosted the Akuhstic Café talk show at home and took on film roles, among them her mid-'80s portrayal of Tiger Lili in The Year of Living Dangerously alongside Signourney Weaver and Mel Gibson.
That appearance expanded her following, resulting in a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall and a Salem Music Award before the decade closed. Her first U.S. release, Precious, arrived via Gold Koast Records in 1997 and addressed listeners drawn to R&B and jazz; the set contained songs written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald.
Unlike many vocalists, Ledesma harbored no childhood ambition to become a star singer. She initially trained for a career in nursing until classmates recruited her into their band, at which point her musical aptitude drew attention. She soon took several solos and, before the year ended, joined a second group. Six months later she formed her own ensemble, Music & Magic. A recording contract followed promptly for Ledesma and her bandmates, whose popularity led to billing as Kuh Ledesma & the Music & Magic Show. During the same span she also appeared outside the group, frequently as a guest artist.
Her move to a solo career began with the concert Ako an Pilipino (I am Filipino), an event that connected strongly with audiences. Marking the first entirely Filipino concert, it produced a successful double album of songs written by Filipino composers. She next staged Inspired Madness. Serving as producer for these and later conceptual productions, she oversaw their presentation as televised specials in her native land. A subsequent agreement named her Lux Soap spokesperson in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. She also performed in the United States. In 1990 the singer relocated to Los Angeles. Her recording and performing collaborations have included work with Jack Jackson and Noel Pointer.
That appearance expanded her following, resulting in a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall and a Salem Music Award before the decade closed. Her first U.S. release, Precious, arrived via Gold Koast Records in 1997 and addressed listeners drawn to R&B and jazz; the set contained songs written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald.
Unlike many vocalists, Ledesma harbored no childhood ambition to become a star singer. She initially trained for a career in nursing until classmates recruited her into their band, at which point her musical aptitude drew attention. She soon took several solos and, before the year ended, joined a second group. Six months later she formed her own ensemble, Music & Magic. A recording contract followed promptly for Ledesma and her bandmates, whose popularity led to billing as Kuh Ledesma & the Music & Magic Show. During the same span she also appeared outside the group, frequently as a guest artist.
Her move to a solo career began with the concert Ako an Pilipino (I am Filipino), an event that connected strongly with audiences. Marking the first entirely Filipino concert, it produced a successful double album of songs written by Filipino composers. She next staged Inspired Madness. Serving as producer for these and later conceptual productions, she oversaw their presentation as televised specials in her native land. A subsequent agreement named her Lux Soap spokesperson in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. She also performed in the United States. In 1990 the singer relocated to Los Angeles. Her recording and performing collaborations have included work with Jack Jackson and Noel Pointer.
Albums
Singles
