Soul star Leee John is singing in Canary Wharf to mark the 40th anniversary of band Imagination.

The Friday night “up close and intimate" performance is at the Boisdale restaurant and music venue on July 16.

The Hackney-born R&B singer-songwriter, now living with his family at Gladstone Park in Dollis Hill, had record sales of more than 30 million albums with Imagination including hits like Just An illusion, Flashback and In The Heat of the Night.

“It’s fair to say Leee John is one of the hardest-working men in music,” his publicist Archie Carmichael said. “Even today Imagination’s music continues with remixes and adaptations by major contemporary stars.”

East London Advertiser: Leee John, originally from Hackney, returns to east London for 40th anniversary gigLeee John, originally from Hackney, returns to east London for 40th anniversary gig (Image: Nick Gibbons nickgibbons@hotmail.com)

The 2017 Retropia album, by Imagination and featuring Leee, had two UK Soul chart-toppers, Do It Right Now and Make Your Mind Up.

These were followed by Police and Thieves, paying homage to the classic anthem originally recorded in 1976 by Junior Murvin.

Friday’s performance at the Boisdale venue in Canary Wharf Shopping Centre in Cabot Square has Covid safety measures in place with face masks required.