Leanne 'Lelee' Lyons

Leanne Clencey Lyons (born July 17, 1973, in the Bronx, New York), better known by her nickname and stage name Lelee, is an American singer-songwriter, television personality, and author, best known as a founding member of the R&B vocal trio SWV (Sisters With Voices).

Early Life

Lyons was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Her father left the family when she was ten years old, leaving her mother to raise her and her five siblings alone. By the age of fifteen, Lyons had moved out of her mother's house and was living independently, and at sixteen she dropped out of Walton High School during her sophomore year to support herself and her newborn daughter. Inspired by watching the television talent competition Star Search, she joined with neighbourhood friend Cheryl Gamble to form an all-female singing group, which was later joined by Brooklyn native Tamara Johnson. The trio began performing together as a gospel group before evolving into SWV.

Career

Lyons co-founded SWV in the late 1980s, and the group sent a demo tape to record labels that caught the attention of producer Teddy Riley, leading to a deal with RCA Records.

Their 1992 debut album, It's About Time, was certified multi-platinum and produced hit singles including "Right Here," "I'm So Into You," and "Weak," the latter two of which reached the top of Billboard's R&B chart. Within the group, Lyons sings mezzo-soprano, taking the lower vocal parts despite having the lightest voice of the trio.

SWV went on to release New Beginning in 1996 and Release Some Tension in 1997, along with the holiday album A Very Special Christmas, accumulating nine top ten hits on the R&B chart before disbanding in 1998 to pursue solo projects. The group reunited in 2005 and has performed together intermittently since, releasing the album I Missed Us in 2012 and later Still. In 2021, SWV took part in a Verzuz event against Xscape.

Lyons and her fellow members have continued to tour, with dates extending into 2026, including appearances such as the Cincinnati Music Festival.

Personal Life

Lyons has two children, daughter Margaret, born in 1988, and son Khiry, born in 1991, both born while she was a teenager, and she has since become a grandmother. She has spoken publicly, including in a 2014 appearance on the Bethenny talk show, about a period of severe depression following SWV's break-up, during which she experienced financial hardship and contemplated suicide; she has credited a phone call to her sister as a turning point that helped her step back from that moment.

In 2019, she published a memoir, "I Regret the Day I Lost My Virginity–You Are Not Your Past," which draws on these experiences to encourage women and young girls navigating hardship. She has also ventured into television, appearing alongside her children on the reality series Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta, and alongside her SWV bandmates on SWV Reunited.

Her openness about mental health and financial struggle following fame has resonated with fans and added a layer of resilience to her public legacy. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

A note: if you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US) is available free, 24/7.

Current Activities

Lyons continues to perform and record with SWV, with the group maintaining an active touring schedule into 2026, including festival dates such as the Cincinnati Music Festival.