Love in Every Note

Adia Ledbetter is a straight-ahead jazz vocalist, composer, recording artist, and educator whose artistry is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of jazz. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Adia has devoted her career to honoring the music while cultivating her own distinctive voice as a performer and teacher. Adia currently serves as Undergraduate Jazz Voice Professor at North Carolina Central University and as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Durham Technical Community College. She is also a middle school chorus educator, where she inspires young singers and recently led her Purrfect Pitch Traveling Choir to a Superior rating at the Music in the Parks Festival at Dollywood. As a professional vocalist, Adia has performed at Carnegie Hall twice and has shared the stage with and opened for celebrated artists including Nnenna Freelon, Jimmy Heath, Grady Tate, Freddie Cole, Antonio Hart, and the Branford Marsalis Quartet. She was featured in DownBeat Magazine as a vocalist to watch in 2008 and was named a winner in the 2026 Jazz Vocal Summit Competition. Adia is also a recording artist, with two released projects, First Take and her most recent recording, Rendezvous with Yesterdays. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the timeless language of straight-ahead jazz, combining swing, soul, storytelling, and a profound respect for the artists and traditions that came before her.

Last updated October 3, 2026