MUSIC stars have paid tribute to their mentor who shaped Welsh music and culture for generations.

Leah Owen, who guided generations of singers in North Wales, has died aged 70 following a period of illness.

Having grown up in Rhosmeirch on Anglesey, she lived in Prion for many years, teaching and performing throughout North Wales.

As a teacher at Hirael School, Bangor, Denbigh High School, Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh, and Denbighshire Language Centre, she mentored and coached numerous talented individuals, including Steffan Rhys Hughes, Mared Williams, Angharad Rowlands, and Denbigh sisters Jade and Amber Davies.

Jade and Amber Davies are among Wales' brightest musical theatre stars,

Amber, who is currently rehearsing for the upcoming series of Dancing on Ice, most recently took the lead in the Pretty Woman stage show.

 

Leah Owen. Photo by Bangor University.

Leah Owen. Photo by Bangor University.

 

On social media, she shared a photo of her with Leah as well as a video of Leah performing accompanied by broken heart emoji.

Jade, who also has a glittering career in musical theatre most recently in Wicked, paid tribute.

She said: "The woman that gave me everything.

"It's hard to find the words when your heart is breaking like this but I want to thank you.

"The biggest thank you can ever possibly imagine for believing in me from the beginning, giving me the first role at Twm or Nant School in Cinderella. I still remember words, they somehow stuck with me for life.

"For the hours practicing for the Eisteddfods, the trips up and down Wales to sing in concerts with Enfys!

"The absolute best days ever!"

"A for the few trips all the way down to London to see me and my sister Amber perform in different shows.

"You gave us the confidence to follow our dreams.

"You are the reason I am where I am today. I will never forget everything you taught me.

"People come into your life for a reason and I will be forever grateful that you came into mine.

"I will think of you every time I'm on stage."

Leah Owen first came to prominence participating in eisteddfodau at a young age, achieving great success in multiple National Eisteddfodau during the 1970s.

Between 1975-2001, she recorded several remarkable solo albums for Sain Recordiau.

She also served as a guest vocal soloist and conductor for various choirs.

She was awarded the Sir T.H. Parry Williams Medal at the National Eisteddfod in 2010, and most recently received an honorary Doctor of Music from Bangor University for her contribution to Welsh and Welsh culture, music and arts in December.

Then, Bangor University said her impact extended beyond her personal achievements and, as an inspiration aspiring musicians, had shaped the future of music education and culture in Wales.

Bangor University said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Leah Owen. Last month she received an honorary degree for her contribution to Welsh culture, language, music and the arts.

"We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends."#

She was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Denbighshire Community Awards ceremony, run by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), in November.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said: “Everyone at DLL was extremely sad to hear of the recent passing of Leah Owen, whose contribution to Welsh music and culture has been widely recognised as second to none.  

"Leah was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at DLL’s Active Communities Awards in November 2023, and received an overwhelming reception in reflection of her personal musical achievements, and her successes in mentoring a new generation of Welsh artists.

"Leah was an incredible lady, and she will be sadly missed by many, many people.  We are honoured that she was able to attend our Active Communities Awards in November last year, and will look back on the event with both pride and sadness. 

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends."