Photo via: Leah Flynn/ FB
In the aftermath of Aretha Franklin’s death, a number of artists are honoring her by covering many of her timeless hits. Ten-year-old violin prodigy, Leah Flynn, recently took to YouTube to show her appreciation for Franklin’s music with a soulful violin solo rendition of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
As the daughter of Jamaican-born, Paula and Lennox Flynn, Leah’s love for music was heavily influenced by her pianist/organist father. After suffering a debilitating stroke, Flynn’s father became a ‘stay at home dad’ and music coach just before she was born. She first picked up and began to play a violin at the age of five and quickly became a music enthusiast possessing natural musical talent well beyond her years and training. Her musical repertoire includes classical works, hymns, show tunes, and popular culture favorites.
Flynn became a member of the Orlando, Florida Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony in 2013 and served as the concertmaster for the intermezzo group of the symphony in 2015. She has also played at churches, community events, and black tie events local to her Brooklyn, NY community. In 2017, her family started a foundation to spread their love of music specifically within the African American community called Heart for Strings.
Enjoy Flynn’s rendition of this Aretha Franklin classic, accompanied by pianist Gale Jones Murphy. Also, be on the lookout for the future successes of this already very accomplished musician.