My guest in this episode is Ara Lee James. Ara has a voice that can sing anything and a way with words that is truly transcendent. Her voice is powerful — in its strength and its tenderness. And I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Music Presenter, Sue Svendsen, wrote, “Ara Lee is the best singer I’ve ever heard. Period. But what she does is more than that. To hear her live is gut-wrenching, heart-soaring - it’s a spiritual awakening.”

Gary Grainger, an award-winning Independent Blues Broadcaster from the UK, says, “No matter what tribe of the world you align yourself with, Ara Lee’s music will speak to you at a primeval level, awakening emotions and spirits from your past, from our past.”

And Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “I’ve never heard anyone sing like that in my life.”

But it’s not just Ara’s voice that’s incredible. Her story is too. It starts in New York, where she was born, moves to Appalachia, where she cut her teeth singing harmony out of a church songbook, and then back to NYC. It was there, just as she was starting to find herself as a young woman, that she lost her voice and her way — for thirteen whole years.

Ten years ago, Ara walked into my vocal studio, student information sheet in hand. Part of her story was on that sheet — but until this interview, I only knew the barest outline of what she was working through.

Her story is about a voice lost and found — the rebirth of a singer’s soul that, along with her voice, will take your breath away.

I highly recommend putting some headphones on for this episode. You won’t want to miss a word or a sound.


For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.

Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.

Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can find Ara Lee James on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

The songs from today’s episode are called BORN, and AHO from the album BORN. The single NASTY WOMAN. And OPEN SONG Part 2, PAPER WALLS, and DEEP BLUE from the Stand & Sway album DEEP BLUE (used with permission.) 

To listen or download, click on the album titles.

Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) 

Support the Show.