Last holiday season Bill Leslie released his second Christmas album which shot to the top of the charts.  “A Midnight Clear – Christmas in Mitford” was voted Best Holiday Album of 2011 by international radio hosts.   Zonemusicreporter.com announced the winner last March.

Leslie is no stranger to award-winning albums.  His “Christmas in Carolina” won this Best Holiday Album Award in 2005.

“I was very happy to win the award and attribute much of the success to the wonderful musicians on the album including harpist Anita Burroughs-Price and oboist Melanie Wilsden, both star performers with the NC Symphony,” said Leslie.  “Pianist Bill Covington also played a major role as did violinist Jennifer Curtis and Nancy Green on cello and Dan Gilvary on hammered dulcimer.” 

“It’s been exciting to get some airplay on several of the major satellite channels,” he continued.  “It’s my longest album to date with 16 tracks including one original vocal ‘Winter Rose’.” 

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Bill Leslie

Leslie has been making the rounds with holiday concerts in December.  He played last Saturday at the Cary Arts Center with the Cary Concert Singers.  His son, Will, and guitarist Brent Cotton joined him for the performances.

This weekend Leslie will play with his entire band, Lorica.  On Friday night, December 14th, they play in Rocky Mount at N.C. Wesleyan College.  On Saturday night, December 15th, Leslie and Lorica will perform their final holiday concert of the season at the new Garner Performing Arts Center in Garner. 

All of his December concerts feature songs from both of his holiday albums, including “A Midnight Clear – Christmas in Mitford.”

“A Midnight Clear” is Leslie’s fourth number one album.  His other chart toppers include “Simple Beauty” in 2010, “Blue Ridge Reunion” in 2008 and “Peaceful Journey” in 2005.  Two albums peaked at number two on the radio charts – “I Am a River” and “Christmas in Carolina.”

Find out more about upcoming concerts and Leslie’s albums on his website:  www.billleslie.com.