Recording Artist Leona is a performer, vocalist, and fiddler from Tokyo, Japan, currently living in Tennessee. Leona’s musical journey began at the age of four when she began violin lessons in Tokyo. During her childhood music was always part of her household. Leona’s father, ‘Dr. K’ has been a professional guitarist in Japan since the 1970’s.

In 2004 Leona traveled to Nashville to attend some fiddle camps and also performed with some professional musicians. It was then and there that she made the decision to return to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musician and singer.

In 2006, Leona enrolled at the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass and Country Music program, becoming the very first International student to receive those credentials. While in college Leona was part of their touring student ensemble, which performed throughout the Southern Appalachian region. In 2006 Leona performed as a guest at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, where she represented her home country of Japan along with famed Japanese shamisen player, actor, and storyteller Takeharu Kunimoto. 

In 2009 and 2010 Leona was invited to perform as a part of the American Bluegrass Master’s Tour. The artists featured in this tour were Grand Ole Opry star Bobby Osborne, the Lonesome River Band, J.D. Crowe, and many others. During this time Leona was featured in rare bluegrass tours of both Alaska and Hawaii. In 2014 was the headlining entertainer at the United States Marine Corps Futenma Flightline Festival in Okinawa, Japan and performed for enthusiastic service members, their families, and local Okinawan residents. Following all of these incredible touring experiences, Leona went on to further her education, also graduating in May of 2016 from HCTC's Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music with a certificate in Digital Audio Recording.

Leona has independently released three solo projects. Her debut album was entitled A New Peace Within, followed by an all-original album entitled Love & Peace, Leona, and her last On My Own. Each of her projects were released in the United States and Japan where they received acclaimed radio airplay and she accompanied their launches with tours of her native Japan.

In late 2024, Leona was introduced to Producer/Engineer, Steve Wilson, and they set out to begin recording a very special collection of material to showcase her stunning and unique artistry. Her incredible musical journey has shaped Leona into a breathtaking musician, vocalist and songwriter that the world will be so excited to discover, or rediscover. The lead single, “Dancing ‘Round The Fire,” from the forthcoming project drops April 22nd - be sure to follow Leona on socials for updates.