LeRoy Bell

LeRoy Bell (born August 8, 1951) is an American singer and songwriter. He and his friend Casey James played in Special Blend, and then went on to form their own duo Bell and James, also composing songs that were hits for other artists most notably two charting hit singles for Elton John. Later Bell became a member of the trio Only Friends. In 2011, Bell applied for the American The X Factor and was chosen for the Final 16 and went on to the live shows being mentored by Nicole Scherzinger. He was eliminated after the fifth live show being the sixth contestant eliminated in the inaugural season of the American The X Factor when he was in bottom three with Marcus Canty and Lakoda Rayne.

Background

LeRoy Martez Bell was born in Florida on August 8, 1951. He is a son of Leroy and Janice Marie (Zaragoza) Bell. His father is the half-brother of music producer Thom Bell. As a military family, they moved frequently, until settling in Tacoma, Washington in 1965. to bring the best in World Music to celebrate peace and unity. The project included Angelique Kidjo, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Aurelio Martinez with Youssou N'Dour, Lila Downs, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Razia Said, Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project, Luisa Maita, G Love & Special Sauce, and Vieux Farka Toure and LeRoy Bell contributing tracks to United in Song

LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends LeRoy Bell also formed his band Only Friends as LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends, featuring Terry Morgan on bass and Davis Martin on drums. Both are experience musicians. Morgan had played with Dee Daniels, Pat Wright & The Total Experience Gospel Choir, Dave Lewis, Thelma Houston and others, whereas Martin was previously a member of the band Maktub.

The X Factor In 2011, he applied for the American version of The X Factor, singing the song "Lean on Me" at his audition. Becoming one of the Top 32, he performed in Judges House Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" in front of Enrique Iglesias and mentor Nicole Scherzinger becoming one of the contestants (top 16), qualifying for the live shows in the over 30s category mentored by Scherzinger.

During the live shows, he had the following performances:

Performances and results

On November 22, 2011, he was voted bottom three by public vote and had to sing for survival against Marcus Canty. He chose to sing The Beatles song "Don't Let Me Down". The result went to deadlock and the public vote revealed Bell had received the fewer votes and accordingly was eliminated after Live Show 5 finishing 8th overall in competition.

Discography

Albums As part of Bell and James 1978: Bell and James 1979: Only Make Believe 1980: In Black and White

With others 2020: Stony Hill with G.E. Smith

Solo 2004: Spending Time (EP) (on his own label Martez Music Group) 2006: Two Sides to Every Story 2008: A Change Is Coming 2010: Traces

As LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends 2007: Live in 3D 2013: Rock 'N Soul

Singles As part of Bell and James 1979: Livin' It Up (Friday Night) 1979: Shakedown 1979: You Never Know What You've Got 1980: Only Make Believe

Solo Two Sides to Every Story

Featuring 2013: Miss Me with Paolo Noise