Leslie McGregor "Leee" John, a talented and multifaceted British individual, hailed from St Lucian ancestry, entered this world on June 23, 1957, in the bustling Hackney district of London.
He spent his formative years in the culturally rich and diverse city of New York, where he received an education that would lay the foundation for his future endeavors.
Later on, John further honed his craft by studying drama at the renowned Anna Scher Theatre School, an institution that has produced a long list of successful and accomplished thespians.
John, a renowned vocalist, has etched his name in the annals of music history as the lead singer of the soulful group Imagination, which, in the early 1980s, managed to secure not one, not two, but three coveted spots within the UK top 10 charts.
As fate would have it, John's musical journey began when he crossed paths with Ashley Ingram, a multi-instrumentalist with a penchant for both guitar and bass, while working as a backing singer. This serendipitous encounter gave rise to a fruitful songwriting partnership, with the duo coalescing to form a short-lived yet promising band called Fizzz.
In the early 1980s, a trio of talented musicians, consisting of Ingram and Errol Kennedy, came together to form Imagination, a pioneering soul music band that would go on to make a lasting impact on the music scene.
As the band's creative endeavors took shape, they found themselves under the expert guidance of renowned producers Jolley & Swain. This collaborative effort bore fruit in the form of a chart-topping single, "Body Talk", which reached an impressive number 4 in the UK Singles Chart in May 1981.
However, it was their subsequent release, "Just an Illusion", that would ultimately prove to be Imagination's crowning achievement. This masterpiece peaked at a staggering number 2 in March 1982, cementing the band's status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
Errol Kennedy
The trio, consisting of three individuals, made a habit of regularly appearing on the esteemed music program, Top of the Pops, as well as other prominent pop music television shows. Notwithstanding the fact that Leee John was not an actor by profession, he made a notable guest appearance on the iconic British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, in the specific story titled "Enlightenment" that aired in the year 1983. In this appearance, Leee John portrayed the character of Mansell, adding yet another dimension to his already multifaceted career.
As the years went by, the group's initial success began to dwindle, yet they persisted in their artistic endeavors, diligently performing, touring, and recording until the early 1990s.
In the aftermath of this decline, John redirected his focus towards the realm of acting, only to re-emerge in the spotlight a decade later in 2003, as a participant in the reality television show Reborn in the USA, alongside notable musical contemporaries such as Elkie Brooks and Tony Hadley.
The renowned artist, whose creative endeavors have captivated the music industry, has been prolific in releasing a multitude of dance singles throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
These infectious tracks have been characterized by their fusion of UK garage and house music, showcasing the artist's unique blend of styles and flair for production.
Notable among these releases is the critically acclaimed single "Your Mind, Your Body, Your Soul", which was made available on the esteemed Locked On Records label.
Furthermore, the artist collaborated with the renowned vocalist Byron Stingily of Ten City fame to produce the mesmerizing track "U Turn Me" in the year 2000, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Noted artist Johnny X, a moniker adopted by John, is notable for his collaborative efforts as a co-writer and vocalist on the song "Call on Me", which was released through Higher State.
John has been engaged in a series of extensive concert tours throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, accompanied by his jazz quartet, in addition to sharing the stage with the esteemed Imagination.
In the year 2007, he contributed the song "Trust My Heart" to the compilation album Northern Soul 2007, which was curated by the renowned music aficionado Ian Levine.
John is a distinguished individual who serves as an esteemed ambassador for SOS Children's Villages, a renowned international orphan charity that provides a nurturing environment and loving mothers for numerous orphaned and abandoned children from all corners of the globe.
Throughout the year, John lends his esteemed support to the charity's numerous initiatives, with a special emphasis on the annual World Orphan Week campaign, which takes place every February.
As a key figure in this endeavor, John plays a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of orphaned and abandoned children, and the essential work of SOS Children's Villages in providing them with a sense of belonging, love, and security.
By championing this worthy cause, John embodies the values of compassion, empathy, and dedication, and serves as a shining example of the positive impact that one individual can have on the lives of others.
It was the year 2012 when John took to the stage at the esteemed Leicester Square Theatre, treating the audience to a memorable performance. The event was made all the more special with the appearance of Mike Lindup, the renowned keyboardist and vocalist from the legendary British band Level 42.
John's notable 2022 endeavor involved a prestigious musical event, specifically the annual "Disco Diva" Festival, a celebration of disco music that takes place in Gabicce Monte, Italy. This esteemed festival is meticulously curated by the visionary journalist Cristina Tassinari, whose artistic direction brings together a talented roster of performers.
