The Super Bowl combines sports, music, and culture into one massive spectacle, making it one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Super Bowl 59, which will take place on February 9, will see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. While the game itself is the main attraction, the pregame performances are just as significant.

This year, Grammy-winning singer Ledisi will take center stage to perform Lift Every Voice and Sing, commonly referred to as the Black National Anthem. Ledisi, a powerhouse in R&B, jazz, and gospel music, will join other performers such as Jon Batiste, who will sing the national anthem, and Lauren Daigle with Trombone Shorty, who will perform America the Beautiful.

Who Is Ledisi?

Born Ledisi Anibade Young in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, California, the singer has built an impressive career in the music industry. With a background deeply rooted in jazz, gospel, and R&B, Ledisi has released 11 studio albums, three live albums, 36 singles, and one soundtrack. Her breakthrough came with Lost & Found (2007) and Turn Me Loose (2009), the latter earning her two Grammy nominations. Her 2011 album Pieces of Me peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B chart and earned three Grammy nominations.

Ledisi won her first Grammy in 2021 for Best Traditional R&B Performance with Anything for You, a track from her album The Wild Card. Over her career, she has accumulated 46 Grammy nominations and received five honorary awards. She has also paid tribute to legendary artists, most notably Nina Simone. Her 2021 album Ledisi Sings Nina, created with the Metropole Orkest and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, was described as a “dream project” and earned her a 14th Grammy nomination. Critics praised her ability to honor Simone’s legacy while making the music her own.

Beyond music, Ledisi has acted in films like Selma (2014), where she portrayed gospel icon Mahalia Jackson, and has performed on Broadway. She has also authored books such as Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love and Power and Don’t Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey. Additionally, she teaches at Berklee College of Music and runs several business ventures, including Fig Street Films, Chinweya Publishing, and Listen Back Entertainment/BMG.