Leon Lacey: A Maestro of Sound and Vision
Leon Lacey isn't just a composer, producer, or music editor – he's a sonic architect, seamlessly navigating the diverse landscapes of television, film, and the global music industry. His career is a testament to a boundless creative spirit and a mastery of musical language that transcends genres. From the intimate emotional currents of HBO/Showtime's critically acclaimed series "The Chi" and the compelling narratives of Fox's "Our Kind of People," to the transformative journeys on Oprah's OWN Network with Iyanla Vanzant, Lacey's fingerprints are on projects that resonate deeply with audiences. His versatility has made him a sought-after collaborator for Grammy Award-winning titans like Wyclef Jean, Janet Jackson, Brandy, and the legendary Smokey Robinson, as well as hip-hop heavyweights such as Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Rockwilder, Method Man and G-Unit, and gospel icons Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Tye Tribbett and Donald Lawrence.
Lacey's compositional prowess extends far beyond popular music, finding a powerful voice in the realm of orchestral scores for networks like MARVEL, NBC, OWN, and TV One. His ability to evoke emotion and enhance visual storytelling through sweeping arrangements has led to prestigious commissions, including a breathtaking live performance with the LA Philharmonic featuring Gustavo Dudamel and Yolanda Adams in March 2020. This landmark achievement was followed by his orchestrations being brought to life by the esteemed San Francisco Symphony in December 2021, and a commissioned work for the Hollywood Bowl's Juneteenth Celebration in 2022, further solidifying his reputation in the classical world.
For the last two years Lacey successfully produced his vision, Black Tie Cinematic Symphony-a revolutionary experience that seamlessly merges the grandeur of live symphonic performance with the storytelling power of cinema, all told through the lens of culture. It’s an elegant innovative, sophisticated and formal, black tie optional, live experience that fuses together powerful voices delivering song and spoken word, all performing with the accompaniment of an 80-piece full symphony orchestra. The inaugural symphony in 2023, was set in Brooklyn, NY at the Kings Theatre featuring Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence and Iyanla Vanzant. The second annual symphony in 2024 was held at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY honoring gospel icons, the Legendary Clark Sisters and featuring the powerful vocals of BeBe Winans, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, cast members Lisa Arrindell and Renee Goldsberry of the feature film “Albany Road” starring Lynne Whitfield, of which Lacey was the Composer and Music Producer. Embarking on the third year, in 2025 Black Tie Cinematic Symphony has exploded into a four city tour covering Dallas, NY, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Black Tie Cinematic Symphony is an extraordinary evening that fuses a powerful new sound, cinematic brilliance and world class musicianship to create an experience that feels like stepping into a cinematic movie score.
In 2023, Lacey’s extraordinary talent captivated global audiences when Beyoncé entrusted him to orchestrally compose and conduct her epic 20-song show for the grand opening of Atlantis The Royal Dubai’s Luxury Resort – a testament to his ability to deliver brilliance on an international stage under immense pressure. Immediately preceding this, Lacey lent his orchestral magic to Clive Davis' highly anticipated Whitney Houston biopic, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," showcasing his adaptability across cinematic narratives.
Beyond his compositional and orchestral work, Lacey is a highly respected Music Editor, a crucial role that bridges the creative vision of composers with the demands of network television and film. His keen ear and meticulous attention to detail have made him an indispensable part of the production teams for Showtime's "The Chi" (seasons 2021-2023), the upcoming Disney series "The Genius," and the intriguing "American Tabloid," as well as feature films like "Back on The Strip" starring Wesley Snipes and Blair Underwood's "Viral."
This multifaceted expertise is underpinned by his foundation as a classically trained pianist and multi-instrumentalist, his deep understanding of jazz and world music, and his proficiency as a Pro Tools engineer. Even as he builds his impressive music catalogs and contributes to diverse upcoming media projects.
Lacey remains grounded in his musical roots, having served as the main Hammond B-3 Organist for the renowned West Angeles Church of Los Angeles. His recent collaboration as a Music Producer alongside hitmaker Cory Rooney on Smokey Robinson's highly anticipated "Gasms" album further underscores his enduring impact across the spectrum of contemporary music, solidifying Leon Lacey's position as a true visionary and a dynamic force in the world of sound.