Ada Lee remains one of the greatest jazz voices of her time. Formally trained in classical, gospel, jazz, and blues, her soul-stirring voice continues to impress audiences. Born in Springfield, Ohio, she began professionally singing in 1957, culminating in her debut album Ada Lee Come On!, released in 1961. The album was praised by Billboard Magazine in 1961 and she was noted as having a “”warm and interesting voice””. A mother of six, her and her late husband Frank Barker, moved to Peterborough in the late 1960s. Lee became an active community member, supporting various causes including, The Cancer Society, Festival of Trees, Festival of Lights, and the Easter Seals Campaign. She also founded the Voices for Life Gospel Choir.

Lee became a treasure to her city and graced the stage all across Canada and the United States. Her career led her to working with greats like, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, and Don Thompson. Her incredible sound and repertoire earned her a spot on the Pathway of Fame in Peterborough, in 1998. She was one of the first inductee’s as a founding member of the Pathway. Other accolades include the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee medal from Canada’s Governor General for her outstanding contributions to her community and country, and in 2019 she received the key to the City of Peterborough.

After calling Peterborough home for nearly five decades, Lee moved to Vancouver, British Columbia in 2014 to be closer to her family. She continued performing while in Vancouver and well into her 90s. Lee returned home in January of 2024 to perform in the “”Home Again”” concert for Peterborough to raise funds for their District Pathway of Fame, once again showing her dedication to community and to music.

Awards

• Inductee into the Pathway of Fame in Peterborough (1998)
• Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee medal
• Key to the City of Peterborough