Lurleen Ladd

Lurleen Ladd grew up learning not to make waves. Raised in Houston and drawn to the stage from an early age—dancing, singing, twirling the baton—she loved performing, but self-doubt often kept her one step outside the spotlight. That fear followed her through her college years, leading her to drop out of a theater class to avoid the audition. At age 38, Lurleen decided it was now or never. She went to Nashville, the songwriting capital, to immerse herself in the music industry. After a day of songwriting sessions, Lurleen was pushed on stage to perform one of her songs. Nervous but determined, she sang—only to hear someone shout, “You didn’t suck—sing another one!” She did. And she hasn’t slowed down since. Now 20 years later, Lurleen has sold her healthcare company and fully embraced her passion: music. With three albums released and a fourth arriving this year, Lurleen is no longer asking permission. She is reclaiming her voice, her dreams, and the space she was taught not to take up. She is also the founder of Wavemakers Women and Music, a fast-growing platform and community championing women musicians over 40. On her new album, Reclamation, Lurleen puts a fearless personal stamp on iconic ‘80s hits—the soundtrack of her teenage years, when dreams of a music career first caught fire. Because there is nothing more powerful than a woman over 40 who knows exactly who she is. Lurleen is making music, making waves, and lifting up others along with her.