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Who is she...

Lea Gilmore is a blues, gospel and jazz singing civic activist who has lent her voice, literally and
figuratively, to advocacy for the underserved of the world and made a huge difference.

A former deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland and Program Director for
the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, in addition Gilmore has testified before local, state
and federal commissions on issues ranging from immigration laws to the civil rights and liberties of
women of color.  Appointed by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights,  she currently serves as a
member of the Maryland Advisory Board to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

A graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in political science and a member of the Pi
Gamma Mu International Honor Society for the Social Sciences, Gilmore also sang in the school's
much-heralded choir, under the direction of the late Dr. Nathan Carter.

Lea is a classically trained pianist, and an award-winning Blues, gospel and jazz singer who has
appeared in over 45 musical and dramatic theater productions.


Over the past seven years, Gilmore has lent her voice to support the cause of ridding third world
countries in Africa of leprosy and TB by headlining Gospel concerts in Europe,  sponsored by the
Damien Foundation, a Belgium-based nonprofit, while maintaining a vast career as an international
blues and jazz performer. Over 300,000 have attended Lea's concerts in Belgium alone.
She has recorded two acclaimed Gospel recordings -- Gospels for Damian "Let Your Light Shine" and
"Somehow I Made It," selling thousands of CDs on behalf of the cause.


In 2004, she recorded her first acclaimed Blues CD, "I Don't Know Where You Are."  She has been a
guest artist on several CDs and is recording a new CD summer 2008.  


Gilmore is  the 2003 winner of The Blues Foundation "Keeping the Blues Alive"  W.C. Handy Award
for her web site celebrating women of the blues "It's A Girl Thang" created with Paul Fenton.   


Gilmore is a highly sought after lecturer who frequently speaks on  the history of African American
music; civil and human rights; and women’s rights, in addition to their historical and contemporary
roles in blues and gospel music.

February 2008, Lea was the Guest Artist for The International School of Switzerland's celebration of
Black History Month.  February 2007, Lea was invited  by the US Embassy of France and the US
State Department to tour France presenting lectures and concerts focusing on the history of African-
American music, racial dialog and human rights.   July 2007, Lea was one of the inaugural instructors
for Song and Vocal Week at The Summers Schools at Glaisnock (Cumnock, Scotland), teaching
Gospel and Blues Singing, Vocal Technique, and Gospel Choir.
She was appointed the 2006 Artist and Scholar in Residence for the International School of Brussels,
as well as the 2005 Women and the Blues Scholar at the University of Mississippi.  Gilmore is a
former board member and still active participant of Common Ground on the Hill, an arts and culture
diversity camp held at McDaniel College in Carroll County, Maryland, and The Blues Foundation.
www.commongroundonthehill.org


Lea currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Public Justice Center, The Creative Alliance of
Maryland,  and the ACLU of Maryland.

Lea is married to David Gilmore.  They are the parents  of two sons (Jonathan and Gabriel) and
reside in Maryland.  


Lea's conviction to human rights is unbendable.  She gives of herself with unyielding grace and comittment.  
- Rev. Dr. Ira Zepp, author


Venues
where  Lea as
Performed!
Lea chosen and featured in
ESSENCE Magazine
as one of
" 25 Women Shaping the
World"

The ESSENCE October  2005 Power Issue—an
annual collector’s edition issue for the past
several years— inspires millions with features of
extraordinary women in business, politics,
media and the arts, who reveal truths and
chronicle their pathways to success. This year it’
s a phenomenal group of activists who are
putting themselves on the line to change the
world.
Lea's concerts are events!  She makes
me laugh, she makes me cry and she
melts me with just a smile...if she is in
your city, run don't walk to see her!

David Greenberg, Concert Attendee
Did ya know...

In a recent performance honoring
Muhammed Ali, "The Champ" was so
moved by Lea's singing of his song
"The Greatest Love of All" that he made
an effort to walk across the stage, grab her
saying "you are amazing...thank you so
much...."
Lea Gilmore - Bio