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Witty, erudite, warm, and stunning are just some of the words that describe the petite singer / songwriter LaToya London. Her composed demeanor and buoyant approach to her performances make her a favorite to watch. And, with her silky smooth, chocolate-colored skin and a captivating smile, she is, quite simply, illuminating.
LaToya first touched and awed audiences when she delivered powerful, show-stopping performances-seemingly with ease-on the 2004 season of the hit reality show American Idol. Her talent even managed to silence the razor sharp tongue of none-other than program's most infamous judge, Simon Cowell, who went so far as to hail LaToya as the odds-on favorite to win that year's competition. Millions of American voters, along with the show's celebrity judges, were dumfounded as LaToya was unceremoniously voted off the show at what seemed the crest of her success.
This pitfall proved not to be the end. Besides LaToya's loyal TV-viewing fans, a number of record labels had also fallen under the hypnotic spell of this young Chanteuse'. Peak Records, a partnership with Concord Records (the last record label of the late-great Ray Charles), instantly signed LaToya to a recording deal. She is currently putting the final touches on her debut album, a collection of timeless, original R&B and soul classics fused with songs, written by LaToya. The CD, which is due on shelves in the summer of 2005, will no doubt establish her as a bonafide American star.
LaToya was born in San Francisco, but moved to East Oakland early in her life. There, she was raised in the Allen Temple Baptist Church, singing from the age of four, and graduated from Skyline High School (also home to Tom Hanks). Over the years, LaToya was a member of several choirs, including the Youth Choir at Allen Temple, the Oakland Youth Chorus and Skyline Gospel Choir.
The 25-year old chanteuse has spent the last several years perfecting her craft, performing live with her band both in the United States and overseas. She has been blessed to have shared the stage with such superstars as Rachel Farrell, Goapele and the legendary Burt Bacharach. She is also featured on the top-selling "American Idol Season-3 Greatest Soul Hits" CD.
In addition to wowing audience on TV show, touring with ten other American Idol finalists throughout the summer, and signing a recording contract, LaToya had other reasons to mark 2004 as a successful and ground-breaking year. Oakland Mayor, Jerry Brown, officially declared May 4th LaToya London Day; one month later she officially received the key to the city. She was invited to perform at the 2005 Super Bowl Commissioner pre-game party and lent her talents to support several worthy fundraising events. And, during the Presidential election campaigns, she participated in the Norman Lear-helmed Declare Yourself campaign, along with Andre 3000 and Christina Aguilera.
Now living in Southern California, LaToya has immersed herself in career pursuits designed to mold her into a true triple-threat. Most recently, she has added "actress" to her agenda and is currently studying regularly with her coaches in Hollywood, while pursuing film and television opportunities. LaToya London is no longer an American Idol. She has her sites set on becoming a true American Star.
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