Introduction
Bill Leslie is a journalist who anchors the morning and noon newscasts for WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is also known as a new age record artist who, along with his World Music band Lorica who perform traditional as well as Celtic fusion music composed by Leslie. Leslie has also composed music featured on two albums by Bragh Adair. Leslie graduated from the University of North Carolina.
Awards
Leslie has won 2 George Foster Peabody Awards, 5 Emmys and has also been awarded the Society of Professional Journalists National Distinguished Public Service Award, Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, National Headliner Award, Gavel Award, RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award, UPI National Award for Features and twice won the North Carolina Journalist of the Year.
New Age Reporter named Leslie "Best New Artist" and his Christmas in Carolina album was named "Best Holiday Album" in 2005. Leslie's 2008 release "Blue Ridge Reunion" and 2010 release "Simple Beauty" were both named Best Acoustic Instrumental Album of the Year by international radio hosts who report to ZoneMusicReporter.com
Peaceful Journey reached number one on the New Age Reporter's world music charts in December 2004, and Christmas in Carolina reached number two. Zone Music Reporter ranked "Simple Beauty" number one on the world music charts in September 2010. "Blue Ridge Reunion" was also number one on the Zone Music Reporter charts in September 2008.
Discography
-(2011) "A Midnight Clear - Christmas in Mitford" -(2010) "Simple Beauty"
- (2008) Blue Ridge Reunion
- (2006) I Am a River
- (2002) Christmas in Carolina
- (2003) Peaceful Journey
Videography
- (2002) Christmas in Carolina
Books
- (2008) Blue Ridge Reunion