Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and raised in Drums, Pennsylvania,
Leighann has been singing since the age of 5 years old and performing
publicly since the age of 10 in her parent’s country band, dabbled in
acting as a teen, and Leighann has been performing in a band since the
age of 21. Leighann currently resides in Hazleton Pennsylvania, which is
a mere 10 miles from her birthplace.
Leighann doubles as a country-rock solo artist and a member of the rock
band Y.M.I. (www.ymisohot.com). Her solo career was kick started when
she entered a karaoke contest through a local radio station, which of
course she won. The prize was a trip to the CMT Flameworthy Video Music
Awards in April of 2003. The radio station played the live performance
that she did over the air, which led to attracting contacts from the
Nashville area. During that life-changing journey, Leighann met with a
record producer, which laid the groundwork for her album Divided
released in April of 2006, which started her now successful solo career.
Divided is a crossover country/rock album utilizing mainstream hooks and
guitar styles that support strong yet emotional vocal arrangements.
Divided was recorded at the Track Shack and Hilltop Studios in
Nashville.
A snapshot of her sound is a mix of Martina McBride and Shania Twain,
giving her a crossover appeal similar to those two artists. At times,
she has drawn comparisons with Pat Benatar as well. Currently Leighann
is performing mostly in the Northeast PA area (Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre,
Scranton) and plans are underway to expand her reach.
Leighann is a veteran of PA musical contests placing in the top three in
several events consistently and winning the Froggy Idol contest of 2003.
Besides being the lead singer of Y.M.I., Leighann also has a Duo act.
Which is Leighann and Joe Molinaro (from Y.M.I.). They perform when the
whole band (Y.M.I.) isn't performing. The name of the duo is Y.M.I. A
Duo.