Ledisi/Melanie Fiona/Tweet

An R&B singer who could hold her own at a jazz festival, singer-songwriter Ledisi possesses some serious pipes. Her new album, last year's Let Love Rule, represents another significant chapter in a career that stretches back nearly 20 years. One of many album highlights, "Us 4Ever" features soulful vocals and a cameo courtesy of BJ the Chicago Kid. There's a notable local connection too. Guitarist Eric Potapenko, who performed a few years back with the local band Gravity in the Tri-C High School Rock Off, plays in her touring band. (Niesel)