When I saw Jim’s SLS prompt this week, my first thought was Pearl Jam’s exquisitely poignant song, “Given to Fly,” but decided instead to do a repost about Lilli Lewis, whom I first heard on Spotify’s Release Radar, with her song, “Firefly.” I was not able to find lyrics.
I use my voice
to bring sacred songs into profane places.
from Lilli’s website, she describes herself as:
1. A squishy humanist / Universal Dignity Enthusiast who loves pianos.
2. A creator of #orangemusic–distant, more sober cousin of the blues.
3. Singer of songs “for the people” who sometimes likes to get loud about it.
4. New orleans’ singer/composer of rare grace and grit.
Lilli Lewis is an American folk and Americana singer, songwriter, and pianist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is sometimes known as the “Folk Rock Diva”.
Early Life: Lilli was born in Athens, GA. As the story goes, Lilli Lewis should never have been. Before she was born, Lewis’ mother was told her baby probably wouldn’t survive due to lung trouble, so the fact that Lewis now makes a living singing with those same lungs is a gift she never takes for granted.
Musical Beginnings: Trained as an opera singer and classical pianist, Georgia native Lewis has been a composer, producer and performer for over two decades. After carving out space as an African American queer woman of size, Lewis’ career has culminated in her album Americana being a top pick everywhere from NPR’s All Songs Considered to Rolling Stone.
The FolkRockDiva is a musical polyglot who glides easily between folk, roots, country soul, gospel, and jazz, and has integrated New Orleans traditions by singing lead for Dirty Dozen Brass Band founding member Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove. Lewis’ Louisiana Red Hot Records releases include The Henderson Sessions, We Belong, and Americana.
Discography: 9 albums with one having Vol. 1 & 2.
Some things to share: Lewis has spoken out on racial, gender, and LGBTQ equity in Americana music in her role as Vice President and head of A&R at Louisiana Red Hot Records
Official website: here
“Firefly” is a cut from Lilli’s latest album, “All is Forgiven,” released in December, 2023.
Jim Adams is the host of Song Lyric Sunday. This week the theme is to find a song that mentions an insect.
Tao Talk 
New to me, Lisa but I loved it.
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Jim, I’m glad you loved it. It’s a beautiful and mysterious tune. I really like when the guitar comes in. Thank you for a great prompt. I’m sure lots of good choices will spring from it.
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Lisa, I’m not familiar with Lilli Lewis so this was a special treat. Lovely voice and song. Cool jazzy/blues piano.
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Nancy, this is the only tune of hers I know. Thanks for giving her a listen.
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what a full rich voice she has – new song for me but I really liked it – thank the lord she survived to sing and share her words 🙌
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Ange, glad you liked her sound, and yes on thanks for her gift, despite the obstacle.
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A new one for me, both Lilli and the song. It’s very good!
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Clive, I know you are a fan of good female vocalists; glad you like her sound.
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Leave it to you, Li to always be on top of introducing me to new and talented female performers. What a delicious voice she has! Thank you!
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V, I need to get back to listening to Release Radar. I found a lot of good music through it. Glad you enjoyed Lilli’s voice. I love how the piano and the guitar work together also. You are welcome :)
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❤️
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:)
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New to me, but she’s going into rotation. Thanks, Lisa
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Happy to introduce her music to you. Now I just need to find time to listen to more of her stuff.
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I remember this post. Still well worth the listen. (K)
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<3
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