Her vocal talents have been featured in major Hollywood productions, including Robert Rodriguez’s Machete (Twentieth Century Fox) and his 2015 television series From Dusk Till Dawn. Her original song “El Nirichin”, from her debut CD, was prominently featured in the film Divine Access by The Traveling Picture Show Company.
A voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and a BMI-affiliated songwriter, Leslie founded her own publishing company, LuGOLD Music, where her compositions have been recorded and performed by numerous acclaimed artists. In 1999, her songwriter contribution to Flaco Jiménez’s Grammy-winning album Said and Done earned her recognition from the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards. She also co-wrote a song for Jiménez featured in the Woody Allen film Picking Up the Pieces.
Based in Houston, The Leslie Lugo Band is one of Texas’s premier live acts, known for its exceptional versatility and wide repertoire. Performing an eclectic blend of English and Spanish music—including Top 40, Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Jazz, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Tejano, Mariachi, and more—Leslie and her band are frequent headliners at high-profile festivals, national conventions, corporate galas, and private events.
In addition to fronting her band, Leslie performs traditional Mariachi shows alongside critically acclaimed ensembles, paying tribute to Mexico’s musical heritage.
She also presents the highly acclaimed Intimately Adele – The New Adele Tribute Experience Show, a soulful and powerful homage to Adele’s most beloved hits. The show has garnered rave reviews, including this praise from Bernhardt Winery:
“Leslie Lugo, you were exceptional! Your voice echoed through the crowd, giving goosebumps of actual soul-fire talent… it was truly unique!”
As a seasoned studio musician with abundant recording credits, Leslie has worked with many of the industry’s leading artists. Her most successful vocalist collaborations have earned:
- 3 American Grammy nominations
- 3 Latin Grammy nominations
- 1 Grammy Award win as a songwriter
Noteworthy recordings include:
- “Caen Porque Caen” – Duet with Latin Grammy winner Joe Posada (2006 Latin Grammy nomination: Best Tejano Album + Tejano Music Awards: Vocal Duo of the Year)
- “All of Me” – with Jay Perez (49th Grammy Awards nominee: Best Tejano Album)
- “Corazón De Oro” – with David Marez (2007 Grammy + Latin Grammy nominations: Best Tejano Album)
- “Si Cocinas Como Caminas” – with Joe Posada (2009 Grammy + 2010 Latin Grammy nominee: Best Tejano Album + 2010 Tejano Music Awards nominee)
- “Eclipse Total” – with David Marez (2010 Tejano Academy: CD Project of the Year + Tejano Music Awards nomination)
Recent Work:
Her latest album, “Éxitos Del Ayer” (19 tracks), was released on her LuGold Records label and produced by 16-time Grammy-winning producer Gilbert Velasquez. It’s a tribute album honoring world-renowned Latin composers and includes classics in English and Spanish, as well as two originals by Leslie:
- “Cuando Fue Tu Querer”
- “Te Lo Pido” (Salsa collaboration with 2-time Grammy winner Marlow Rosado)
Debut Tejano Album:
- Joe Posada Presents Leslie Lugo (Produced by Gilbert Velasquez)
- HIT single “Que Vas Hacer” topped charts across the U.S. and Mexico (2007)
- Music award nominations:
- Tejano Music Awards 2010 – Female Vocalist of the Year
- Univision TV Premios A La Música Latina 2008 – Best Female Vocalist & Best New Artist of the Year
- Tejano Music Awards 2008 – Female Vocalist of the Year + Most Promising Band
- Academy of Tejano Music Awards 2007 – Female Vocalist of the Year
Early Career:
- Born in San Antonio, Texas
- By age 16 – Lead vocalist for a 17-piece orchestra
- At 17 – Youngest performer to represent Texas in the National OTI Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious international song festivals
- Formed The Leslie Lugo Band as a teenager
Major Performances:
- 75th AA International Convention – Sang “Amazing Grace” a cappella before 65,000+ people at the Alamodome
- 2012 Republican National Convention – Sang the U.S. National Anthem
- Republican National Reception – Opened for Journey
- 2014 Lucrazon Global Celebration – Performed alongside Mitt Romney, Vicente Fox, and Carlos Gutierrez
- EL REY Network Launch – Featured with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s band, Chingon
- Cristian Castro tour – Lead background vocalist across North & South America
Other notable events:
LULAC Foundation, National NCLR, Selena World Premiere, AARP Convention, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Fiesta San Antonio, State Fair of Texas, Six Flags, Sea World, Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and more.
Voiceover & Commercial Work:
Leslie’s voice has been featured in national campaigns for:
- Coca-Cola, Chrysler, Burger King, Budweiser, JC Penney, Time Warner, Dodge, CoffeeMate, Folgers, Taco Cabana, and more.
She also does character voices and audiobook narrations, including for the sci-fi novel Piercing The Fold.
Legacy:
Leslie Lugo continues to build an extraordinary career grounded in passion, artistry, and cultural connection. Whether on stage, in the studio, or on screen, she leaves a lasting impression with every performance.
