Leee John, renowned as the lead vocalist of the acclaimed soul group Imagination, which has been hailed as Britain’s first black supergroup, gained fame in the early Eighties with chart-topping hits like “Body Talk” and “Just an Illusion.” The trio sold an impressive 30 million albums worldwide.

Since the band disbanded in 1992, the vibrant 67-year-old has made appearances on reality television, including ‘Reborn in the USA,’ and collaborated with Gorillaz on their “Song Machine” project. He performed at a New Year’s Eve concert near the Arc de Triomphe, which aired live on French television. John currently resides in London with his beloved ginger cat, Skippy.

£50 is my cash choice, especially since many places now prefer digital payments. Nonetheless, I still frequent the market for fresh produce, where cash certainly comes in handy.

Which Credit Cards Do You Rely On?

I typically use my debit card for daily expenses, while my credit card serves for larger purchases, such as concert tickets. Recently, I attended an event where numerous seniors expressed their frustrations over bank branch closures, making their banking experience challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with online banking. Major banks need to be more considerate of older customers.

Are You a Saver or a Spender?

While I do indulge in spending, I have significantly improved my saving habits over the years. Having accumulated numerous items that I no longer use, I’m currently on a decluttering mission. My latest significant expense was a trip to St Lucia to visit family for ten days in January, which came to nearly £2,000, excluding other costs.

Do You Own Real Estate?

In my mid-twenties, shortly after Imagination achieved fame, I acquired my first home—a five-bedroom Victorian property in North London with a spacious garden, initially priced at £39,000. Interestingly, another artist, Toyah, had an interest in the house, but I managed to outbid her, finalizing the purchase for £44,000. Apologies, Toyah! I resided there throughout the Eighties before relocating to the countryside for a quieter life, which turned out to be less ideal. Roughly ten years ago, I opted for a new home on the outskirts of Northwest London—an old detached house with four bedrooms, purchased for a six-figure sum, accommodating regular visits from family.

Are You in a Better Financial Position Than Your Parents?

That’s an interesting question. I have one sister, two half-sisters, and one half-brother. My parents, Jessie and Stephen, who are part of the Windrush Generation, moved to London in the 1950s. When they divorced, I lived with my father in New York for a time before returning to the UK. Although sometimes finances were tight, we always had food on the table, and I was raised with the belief that hard work is essential to achieve your goals. My mother has actively engaged in London’s St Lucian community and received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth. We were both invited to commemorate King Charles’s birthday at Highgrove two years ago.

What Were Your Earnings Last Year?

It was sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. My continued touring is driven by my passion for performing.

What Was Your First Job?

One of my early jobs was working as a tax inspector after finishing school in my teens. The pay was decent, but the work was dull. Simultaneously, I was doing session work as a background singer, and once I achieved a point where I could sustain myself through that, I left the conventional job.

When Did You First Feel Financially Secure?

I felt truly affluent during our debut album promotion in New York for “Body Talk,” which featured numerous hit singles, when I could treat my American family—uncles, aunts, and cousins—to a lavish seafood dinner in Manhattan.

Have You Ever Faced Financial Worries?

Many in the music industry, myself included, have faced challenges early in their careers, often questioning whether success would come. At one point, I even performed at a German club involved in money laundering just to make ends meet. However, I maintained a positive outlook and believed that success was just around the corner, whether it be the next week or the week after.

What Has Been Your Most Profitable Work?

Co-writing classics for Imagination like “Body Talk” and “Just an Illusion” has constituted a significant part of my income. Songs like “Just an Illusion” have been covered by numerous artists, including Mariah Carey and Destiny’s Child, achieving Top Ten status across Europe, particularly in France. Many of my other songs have also been sampled or utilized in advertisements, allowing me to earn passively.

Do You Invest in Stocks?

No.

What’s Better for Retirement—Property or Pensions?

I’m uncertain on this matter, but retirement doesn’t seem appealing to me—I was born to perform and relish being on stage.

What Was Your Best Business Decision?

Forming Imagination with guitarist Ashley Ingram and drummer Errol Kennedy in the early Eighties was a pivotal moment. We shared a vision for our act, and our timing was impeccable.

What Has Been Your Best Investment?

I made a lavish purchase of a full-length fur coat priced in the thousands from a Harrods wholesaler in the Eighties. It proved useful during our visit to Russia before Perestroika, due to the extreme cold, though I haven’t worn it in years, and it’s now stored away in the attic. Today, it seems that fur is mostly worn in Eastern Europe.

What About Your Worst Investment?

In the early Eighties, we were assured we’d receive an award for our performance at the Brit Awards. I impulsively bought a tailor-made white linen suit for about two thousand pounds, but it tore right before my stage appearance. A seamstress repaired it, but I never wore it again, and we didn’t win a Brit award either.

What’s Your Financial Weakness?

I still enjoy shopping for clothes and spend around £5,000 annually on suits and footwear. Although I tend to dress less flamboyantly on stage nowadays, preferring a gold suit, I have historically spent more, even receiving many items for free.

What’s Your Most Extravagant Purchase?

After Imagination’s rise in popularity, I paid about £1,000 for a personalized number plate, LJ011N. Police frequently stopped me because they suspected the plate was stolen. A couple of years later, my car was stolen along with the number plate, and I never recovered either.

What Are Your Financial Goals in the Coming Years?

My priority is to ensure adequate financial support for my extended family and, of course, my cat when they need it.

What Would You Do If You Won the Lottery?

I would share it among my family and charities dear to me, such as SOS Children’s Villages, an organization I’ve supported for many years. Initially, I would want to ascertain the tax implications on my winnings and have a desire to acquire a seaside property.

What Financial Lesson Have You Learned?

The more money one earns, the higher the bills become. It feels like we are returning to a time when many would prefer to hide cash under the mattress.

John continues to tour across the UK, with an upcoming performance at the Jazz Café in London scheduled for June 13.