Ella Fitzgerald once said something so simple yet so profound that decades later it still touches the masses, “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” These words perfectly capture the spirit of Lee H. Alexander, whose journey in the arts is a masterclass in dedication and passion. From his early days in Detroit, where he nurtured a love for storytelling and performance, to his rise as a versatile artist and entrepreneur, Lee’s path is a testament to the power of perseverance and the inspirational force of dreams.
From a young age, Alexander immersed himself in creative expression. “I have always been an artsy kid,” Alexander shares. His early years were filled with action figures and imaginative storytelling, a prelude to his later endeavors in voice lessons, high school theatre, and competitive forensics. At Detroit Country Day School, he took on leading roles in productions like “Chicago” and “Ain’t Misbehavin,” and his talents in poetry performance earned him four state championships. These experiences culminated in his acceptance to the University of Michigan, where he majored in Musical Theatre and minored in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship.
University life was both challenging and invigorating for Alexander. His portrayal of Robert in “The Exonerated” during his junior year stands out as a significant milestone. The rigorous training and diverse opportunities at Michigan prepared him for the industry, enabling him to find success in various artistic endeavors. Alexander made waves on the national stage on his two-year Broadway tour with “Jagged Little Pill,” bringing his unique flair to the role of “The Doctor.”
Alexander’s artistic journey is not confined to the stage. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the industry, he pursued a minor in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. “You are your own business,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of creating multiple streams of income and exploring various facets of the industry. Beyond acting, Lee has ventured into entrepreneurship, modeling, voice-over work, and recording. His music, available on Spotify under the name Le$Lie, showcases his versatility and commitment to storytelling through song.
Collaboration is at the heart of Alexander’s artistry. “The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is to tell stories in new and innovative ways,” he explains. Whether through voice-over work, stage performances, songwriting, or business ventures, Alexander thrives on the connections and creative synergies that come from working with others. This collaborative spirit also led to the founding of Vibrascope Records, a promotional company aimed at making resources accessible and affordable for independent artists. They created this promotional resource hub to consolidate in-demand resources such as digital design work, playlisting promotion, social media management/content creation, and mixing/mastering services. “By putting all these resources in one place, not only do we make recording artists’ lives easier, but we even the playing field for independent artists everywhere by having accessible and affordable resources,” Lee explains.
Alexander’s love for Detroit runs deep, and the city has profoundly influenced his art. One of his fondest memories is watching a touring production of “Peter Pan” at the Fisher Theatre, an experience that solidified his passion for performance. “My fondest memory of being in the city of Detroit was when I was very young and saw the touring production of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigsby at the Fisher Theatre. I later got a signed DVD of the play from Cathy Rigsby herself and took a picture with her. That was one of the best moments in my life,” Lee reminisces. “The city of Detroit influences my art because it’s the first place I dared to dream and pursue my art. It is my place of inspiration, a place I come to collaborate with other artists, a place I come to be immersed in other types of artistry.”
Last month, Lee H. Alexander took center stage at the Detroit Repertory Theatre, not as an actor, but as a musician unveiling his latest creation. The theatre was adorned with anticipation as friends, family, and fans gathered for the listening party of his new album, “Pressure.” This event marked a significant milestone in Alexander’s career, showcasing his growth and versatility as an artist. The intimate setting of the Detroit Repertory Theatre, a venue rich with history and cultural significance, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with heartfelt performances and deep connections. As the tracks played, it was evident that “Pressure” was more than just an album; it was a testament to his ability to weave personal struggles and triumphs into compelling narratives, resonating deeply with those in attendance. “Music is an authentic form of communication and self-expression,” he states. The project explores themes of transition, self-doubt, anger, and joy, offering listeners a relatable and spiritually resonant experience.
Photo: Lee H. ‘Le$Lie’ Alexander, artist and co-founder Vibrascope Records; Stevie the Vibe, artist and co-founder Vibrascope Records; performing at listening party June 26, 2024 at Detroit Repertory Theatre.
Photo: Lee H. ‘Le$Lie’ Alexander, artist and co-founder Vibrascope Records; performing at listening party June 26, 2024 at Detroit Repertory Theatre.
Looking ahead, Alexander aspires to leave a lasting impact on his community. He aims to inspire young Black performers to pursue their dreams and provide mentorship to the next generation of artists. “I want to be remembered for my versatility and impact,” he says. Through Vibrascope Records, Alexander and his co-founder, Stevie the Vibe, strive to level the playing field for independent artists, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools needed to create and promote their work.
“All my life, I loved performing, but I had no idea I could pursue it as a career until my high school theatre teacher suggested I attend The University of Michigan’s M-Pulse Program. There, I fell in love with musical theatre all over again and realized I had the potential and the interest to pursue it as a career,” he recounts. “Two years later, I auditioned for my dream school, U of M, and got into The Musical Theatre Program.”
His time at Michigan was transformative, where he experienced personal evolution. So much so that it prepared him for the competitive industry where he is now thriving. Lee’s versatility extends beyond performance. “Actors often think of themselves as just ‘artists,’ and because of this, they limit their creativity and potential,” he says. In addition to being a musical theatre actor, Lee is an entrepreneur, model, voice-over actor, and recording artist. “Check out my Spotify @Le$Lie. New music coming very soon,” he adds with a smile.
“I want to be known as an actor that influenced the theatre/film industry through my performances, as well as inspire other young Black performers to pursue a career in the arts and chase after their dreams,” he says. Through mentorship and leading by example, Alexander hopes to give back to his community. “In terms of my CEO position at Vibrascope Records, I long to build a company that evens the playing field for independent artists. I want everyone to have access to tools to make a song, make album artwork, and promote their song. I want to see more niche songs and off-the-wall concepts blow up instead of just artists that are label affiliated. I want to encourage my fellow artists to keep grinding and to keep their eyes on the prize.”
Lee H. Alexander’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through dedication, creativity, and a commitment to community. His story is not just about personal success but about uplifting others and making dreams accessible for all. “Music is an authentic form of communication and self-expression,” Alexander concludes. “It is the synergy between music, which is ’emotion,’ and lyrics, which represent intellect.”