Vocalist, songwriter and producer, Amanda Elliott is a graduate of St. Mary’s College with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. She also holds a BA in Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies from San Francisco State University.
She is currently the executive director with the Richmond Main Street Initiative. A community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Richmond, California as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village offering products, services, arts and entertainment that reflect the community's rich and diverse heritage. She is a recipient of two 2011 Community Service Awards from the Black Political Action Committee (BAPAC) and Full Vision Arts Foundation.
She made her debut on CD appearing on Najee's, “Share My World”, singing backup on one of his original songs entitled “Joy”. She is a featured vocalist with the Bay Area contemporary,smooth jazz and R&B band Nymani Music and previously sang with the Oakland Jazz Choir.
She performs regularly throughout the Bay Area and has also performed and recorded with Ricky Ric and E.C. Scott. She has toured Ghana with the Black Song and Poetry Ensemble and Nigeria with the Wajumbe Cultural Ensemble. In addition to being an accomplished vocalist with a mesmerizing style, she is also a lyricist and songwriter, which she proudly displays on her CD “Kissed By A Dove” featuring original music she composed and co-produced with songwriter and pianist, Terence Elliott.
“Kissed By A Dove” is a jazzy, R&B styled CD with songs like “Sugah”, a rendition of Stanley Turentine's original blues standard and the title track “Sisters (Kissed By A Dove)” is a wonderful ballad dedicated to the strength of African women all over the world. “Cry No More” is a sure crowd pleaser. This wonderful live band recording features some spectacular piano work by Terence. From “Nia”, to “Castles in the Sand”, this CD promises to satisfy even the most critical listener.
Amanda says her intentions for “Kissed By A Dove” were, “to produce a CD that would not only be pleasing to the ear but would also warm the heart and challenge the mind. Too often music is created to appeal to the lowest common denominator, not allowing the listener a complete experience. Music has the power to change your heart, your mind and your soul.”