Leah James is a singer, songwriter, photographer, and visual artist. You may know her as the daughter of Don Felder — the legendary guitarist from the Eagles — or as the ex-wife of Brandon Jenner. But today, Leah stands in her own spotlight.
She’s not just someone connected to famous names. Leah has created a name for herself through her music, her art, and her story.
Leah James Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leah Elizabeth Felder (known professionally as Leah James) |
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years old |
| Birthplace | Malibu, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 8 in (unconfirmed) |
| Parents | Don Felder (lead guitarist of The Eagles), Susan Felder |
| Siblings | Jesse Felder, Rebecca Felder, Cody Felder |
| Career | Singer-songwriter, indie-folk artist, photographer, visual artist, performer |
| Known For | Solo album While She Sleeps, duo Brandon & Leah, cinematic folk sound, tenor guitar |
| Art Exhibitions | New Museum, La MaMa, The Box, Pablo’s Birthday, Greenpoint Hill, Galerie ARTAe, Erin Stump Projects |
| Media Features | Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Vice, Paper, V Magazine |
| Music Style | Cinematic indie-folk, emotional, atmospheric, motherhood-inspired |
| Influences | Mazzy Star, Simon & Garfunkel |
| Former Husband | Brandon Jenner (married 2012–2019) |
| Children | Eva James Jenner (born July 22, 2015) |
| Blended Family | Close “sister-mamas” bond with Brandon’s wife Cayley Stoker |
| Residence | Malibu, California & New York |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Income Sources | Music royalties, streaming, photography, visual art, exhibitions |
| Social Media | Instagram: @leahjames |
A Malibu Childhood Full of Music
Leah was born Leah Elizabeth Felder in Malibu, California, on November 24, 1982. Her dad is Don Felder, one of the original guitarists of the Eagles. If you’ve ever heard Hotel California, you’ve heard his work.
Growing up, Leah didn’t even know her dad was a rock legend. He was just “Dad” — someone who made pancakes, played guitar around the house, and drove her to school. She found out the truth when she was 10, right before joining him on the Eagles’ big “Hell Freezes Over” tour.
Leah often says their home had guitars in every room. Music wasn’t just in the background — it was the air she breathed. That early exposure would shape her entire life.
Brandon & Leah: A Creative Duo and Love Story
Leah met Brandon Jenner in middle school in Malibu. They became friends, then musical partners, and later fell in love. Their duo, Brandon & Leah, made sunny, laid-back indie-pop songs that fans loved. One of their tracks, “Showstopper,” even made it onto Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
The couple married on May 31, 2012, in Hawaii. Three years later, in July 2015, they welcomed their daughter, Eva James Jenner. But by 2018, their romantic journey came to an end. They separated on good terms and finalized their divorce in 2019.
Even after the split, Brandon and Leah stayed close — not just for their daughter, but as friends and co-parents. That’s rare in the world of celebrity breakups.
A Blended Family That Actually Works
Here’s something you don’t see often: a famous family that truly gets along — even after divorce. Leah and Brandon’s new partner, Cayley Stoker, developed a strong bond. They even call each other “sister-mamas.”
They co-parent Eva with love and teamwork. When Brandon and Cayley welcomed twin boys in 2020 and a daughter, Joan Almond Jenner, in 2024, Leah was nothing but supportive. It’s a modern family, and it works.
They’ve shared selfies, family time, and kind words on social media. And fans have noticed. Leah, Cayley, and Brandon’s setup has become a kind of inspiration for what blended families can really look like.
The Rebirth of Leah James: Solo, Strong, and Independent
After her divorce, Leah didn’t just change her relationship status — she rebranded her entire identity. She stepped away from both the Felder and Jenner names and chose to release music under Leah James.
Why? Because she wanted to stand on her own. Not on a famous father’s name. Not on an ex-husband’s last name. She said it clearly: “I felt like it was so important to stand on my own.”
The Making of “While She Sleeps”
Her first solo album, “While She Sleeps,” came out in 2018. It was deeply personal. She wrote and produced the entire album on her own — inside a yurt in the quiet hills outside Los Angeles.
The name came from those calm, magic hours when baby Eva would nap — and Leah would create. It’s an album about motherhood, femininity, and finding your voice again after big changes.
She calls herself a “midwife” for songs — someone who helps the music come into the world, rather than creating it from scratch. That’s how personal and spiritual her process is.
A Sound That Feels Like a Movie
Leah’s music is often described as cinematic indie-folk. It feels soft, emotional, and dreamy. Think of foggy mornings, cozy blankets, and lullabies with meaning.
What makes her sound special is her use of the tenor guitar — a four-string instrument that helped her find the exact melodies in her head. It gave her the space she needed to express her heart fully.
Some of her most-loved songs include:
- My Love Will Follow
- One and Only
- Wildfire
- Big Sur
- The Moment I Met You
Each one sounds like a tiny movie — full of heart, beauty, and reflection.
Leah James’s Art, Photography & Expression
Leah James is not just a singer. She’s also a visual artist and a very talented photographer. Just like her music, her art feels personal and emotional. It tells stories without needing any words.
Her work has been shown in New York, Brooklyn, Toronto, and even in Europe. She has shared her art at special places like the New Museum, La MaMa Theater, and Galerie ARTAe in Germany. Each show feels like a quiet story told through images and sound.
A Photographer with a Gentle Eye
You may not know this, but Leah James is also a successful photographer. She has taken photos for Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Vice, Paper Magazine, and more.
Her photos look soft but strong. They show emotion, beauty, and honesty. She often takes pictures of people, nature, or quiet moments that feel very real.
Leah’s Creative in So Many Ways
Leah also worked with Flying Bark Productions, a creative animation company. She helped bring new stories to life through music and sound. Projects like 200% Wolf and 100% Wolf: Book of Hath had her touch.
She’s also a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, showing how deeply she cares about performance and the arts. Plus, she’s joined charity art events like the ISCP Benefit Auction, giving back through her talents.
Living Her Story
Today, Leah James continues to live and create between Malibu and New York. She still writes songs, She still takes photos, She still performs. And she still raises her daughter, Eva, with love and grace.
Her blended family with Brandon Jenner and Cayley Stoker is strong and joyful. The three of them raise their kids with kindness and teamwork. Leah and Cayley even call each other “sister-mamas,” showing that real family is built with love — not just names.
Final Thoughts
Leah James is more than just the daughter of a rock star or the ex-wife of a celebrity. She’s a true artist in her own right. Her music touches hearts, Her art tells stories, Her photos capture beauty in everyday life.
She used to be known as “part of a duo” or “someone’s daughter.” But now, she’s simply known as Leah James.
Her journey is one of independence, motherhood, and soft strength. She shows that you can start over, find your voice, and create something beautiful — even in the quiet moments while your baby sleeps.
FAQs
1. How old is Leah James and where was she born?
Leah James is 43 years old. She was born on November 24, 1982, in Malibu, California, where she grew up in a creative, music-filled home.
2. What is Leah James known for in her music career?
Leah James is known for her cinematic indie-folk sound, emotional storytelling, and her solo album While She Sleeps, which she wrote and produced herself.
3. Who are Leah James’ parents and what is her musical background?
She is the daughter of Don Felder, the Eagles’ lead guitarist who co-wrote Hotel California, and Susan Felder. Her childhood around instruments shaped her early love for music.
4. Was Leah James married to Brandon Jenner, and do they share a child?
Yes. Leah James was married to Brandon Jenner from 2012 to 2019. They share one daughter, Eva James, and maintain a positive co-parenting relationship.
5. What is Leah James’ estimated net worth and how does she earn her income?
Her net worth is estimated between $1–2 million, earned from music royalties, streaming, visual art, photography, editorial work, and performances.
