For Ledisi, it was a long journey to that "a-ha" moment. Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, CA, where she says she developed ambition, drive and an appreciation for opera, gospel and R&B, Ledisi struggled for years. After constant rejection from recording companies, she and a partner formed their own label on which they released two independent albums, both of which gained national attention, resulting in her 2007 major label deal with Verve. Her new album Pieces of Me is a culmination of the challenges she's experienced and lessons she's learned.

Following her last two critically acclaimed albums—2007's breakthrough hit Lost and Found, which was nominated for two Grammy® awards including Best New Artist, and 2009's rock & funk, attention-stealing Turn Me Loose, which also garnered two Grammy® nods and a No. 1 debut position on the Billboard R&B chart—Pieces of Me is a natural progression for a singer possessing an involuntary penchant for growth. Bursting with songs of love, intimacy and self-assurance and delivered by an unmatched voice at the top of its game, this album marks Ledisi's shining moment.