Born in Los Angeles to Amanda Ambrose, a jazz singer and pianist, and Buffy, a tailor—Amanda Strawn began singing before she entered kindergarten. As the youngest of five siblings, she discovered a unique way to assert herself and stand out as a result—singing came to her as naturally and effortlessly as the act of blinking or breathing. Aside from having served as protégée to Harry Belafonte, during the ‘50s, Amanda’s mother was also a true patron of the arts, as was Buffy. It was certainly not an uncommon occurrence to find at her father’s atelier, where he confected his designs, the most brilliant of creative and intellectual minds like Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Miriam Mekeba, and Maxine Zawinul. Amanda’s first professional foray into the entertainment industry came about when she joined two of her brothers as backup singer for her mother at the inauguration of the Prince Edward Island Confederation Centre Of Arts; a main venue in Canada’s maritime region. She and her family lead a rather nomadic lifestyle as most of her youth was spent living in New York and several other states in America. Age 12 would prove to be a rather momentous year for the gifted young singer who swapped babysitting services for an acoustic guitar; which she taught herself to play that very summer on the steps of The New York City Public Library. She also opted to exchange babysitting services for a professional photo session—her first. Unbeknownst to her family and true to her independent disposition, she decided to take the photos to the leading modeling agency for African-Americans in New York. Amanda was committed to the agency’s coveted roster without hesitation. Her scintillating but short-lived modeling career included a stint as the face of Clairol Cosmetics’ Shampoo In A Can. At the time, this was certainly quite the feat for a young model “of a darker persuasion”. She was also featured in a spread in the New York Times. For several years she toured off-and-on with her mother gracing the stage at prime venues such as the Los Angeles Coliseum and the legendary Aquarius Theatre. She especially enjoyed getting to travel to exotic destinations like Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
A chance encounter with a handsome French-Canadian, whom she met on Hollywood Boulevard on her way to join the Navy— would lead to a whirlwind romance, a 20 year marriage and the birth of a darling baby boy. She had followed her husband to beautiful Montreal, his hometown and the city she still calls home. On a dare, a friend set in motion a series of events that would serendipitously lead her to a stellar acting career by coaxing her to audition for an established theatre company. She landed the role and was consequently bitten by the acting bug. Amanda would go on to perform in over 20 films, a slew of T.V. shows (including “Are You Afraid Of The Dark”, “A Divas Christmas Carol”, “Caillou”, etc.), and T.V. commercials. She remains a staple on the Canadian theatre scene and has graced the stage in a variety of plays—everything from musicals to comedies and dramatic pieces. She has also done plenty of voiceovers work. Amanda Strawn has recently decided to shift her focus over to her music career and is presently writing new material for her forthcoming CD. She is also preparing for her impending live show featuring original songs with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure. Described as “the Sybil of music” due to the plethora of colourful personalities which she artfully invokes on stage—Amanda Strawn does not sweat, she oozes soul and sensuality from her every pore. With a touch of Nina Simone and hues of Sarah Vaughn, Rita Marley and Grace Jones—make no mistake about it; Amanda Strawn is definitely a one of a kind.
Hey Sweetie! Thanks sooo much for the birthday shout out! (u remembered! luv u, i recieve your blessing!.. (i love that.. leaps & bounds! I hope that u and hubby are awed beautifully still, and are in continual bliss! Much success and blessings to ya!
At Last, The Fashion Affair That All Of Chicago Has Been Waiting For! The Most Beautiful Women Of All Sizes And The Most Incredible Men Will All Meet In West Hyde Park At The DuSable Museum To Heat Up The Catwalk For The Ultimate Fashion Premier on July 26, 2009.
Featuring Designers... DANA DARLENE DEMARKO GLENN DUVALL PETTWAY NESHA SCOTT PILAR RUSSEL SIMMONS SEAN JOHN, HUGO BOSS AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED. With Singers: ADAM EMIL, LENDALE JONES & More, Also Praise Dancer - Norma Scales Get Your Tickets On Line At WWW.YOURDUVALL.COM Or Phone (773)329-9491
Also Interested Models All Ages & All Sizes Please Phone For More Information
SHOWTIMES 4P.M. & 7:30P.M. - THIS IS THE FASHION PREMIER OF 2009, DON'T MISS IT!
Hey there "Crazy Lover" Sorry bout the delay getting back...in the studio working on the new track...just caught up with yer comment....n yeah the 60s sound sure had a lot goin for um....n if i just catch a whisper of it in my sound...im happy...so thanks fer that x...always good to hear from ya Amanda....n stay a little crazy xXx
We're proud to announce our debut EP 'Chemicals' is available to buy NOW on iTunes, Amazon, Big Cartel. We have also printed a limited number of hard copies which will feature exclusive additional artwork and available only at our shows.
Check out the tunes on our page; If not just drop by and say hello.
Thanks fer dropping by........n well.... with a comment like that it kinda sets yer mind racing....n yer body trying to catch up....n ive just been waiting fer a woman to say that to me....ha ha...n prefferable one thats within touching distance ! !....anways while im cooling down here......i dropped by yer page n listen to your songs read yer biog [n youve got pedigree].....youve a lush deep bluesy vocal wrapped in passion.....luv to drink it in[cos yer just dont listen to a vocal like that]....n so when yer drop by my page yer gonna notice my sound is somewhat different ha ha.......alright now ive cooled down from yer comment enough to say.....thanks agen Amanda hope to catch up agen.. Yours ever crazy Jack x Just How Crazy Is Amanda xXx
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