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| Yvonne Elliman | |
|---|---|
| Name | Yvonne Elliman |
| Background | solo_singer |
| Birth date | 29 December 1951 |
| Birth place | Honolulu, Hawaii Territory, United States |
| Origin | Honolulu |
| Genres | Rock, Pop, Soul, Disco |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Labels | Decca Records, RCA Records, Polydor Records |
| Associated acts | Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Eric Clapton, Jeff Porcaro, Toto, Graham Gouldman |
Yvonne Elliman Yvonne Elliman (born December 29, 1951) is an American singer and songwriter known for her work in musical theatre, pop and rock music, and session vocals. She gained prominence through her role in the original production of Jesus Christ Superstar and achieved international chart success with singles that crossed genres, collaborating with prominent songwriters, producers, and musicians. Her career spans stage performance, studio recording, and high-profile session work with artists across rock, pop, and soul.
Elliman was born in Honolulu in the Territory of Hawaii to parents of Japanese and Hawaiian descent, and grew up immersed in the multicultural music scene of Honolulu. She studied music and performance locally before relocating to London, where connections to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice emerged. Her early musical influences included performers and songwriters associated with Motown, gospel, and popular acts from the 1960s such as The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and Carole King.
Elliman's professional breakthrough began after moving to London and auditioning for projects associated with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Early recording opportunities led to work with labels including Decca Records and appearances on British television programs and concert stages alongside contemporaries from the West End scene. Her casting in a major rock opera provided a high-profile platform, and she soon became associated with musicians and producers active in 1970s pop and rock circles such as session players tied to Island Records and EMI Records artists.
Elliman was cast in the role of Mary Magdalene in the original production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The stage production and subsequent concept recordings brought her into contact with cast members who would later be prominent in musical theatre and rock opera recordings, and the role led directly to her participation in the 1973 film adaptation and soundtrack projects. Her performances in that role connected her to international tours and to the broader network of composers and performers influential in 1970s theatre.
Following her visibility from Jesus Christ Superstar, Elliman pursued a solo recording career releasing albums on labels including Decca Records, RCA Records, and Polydor Records. She scored a major international hit with a song written and produced by members of the Toto and Fleetwood Mac-adjacent session community, and later achieved chart success in the United States with a cover associated with the soundtrack for the film Saturday Night Fever. Her singles placed on charts such as the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and she toured with acts connected to rock music and pop music circuits, sharing billing with artists represented by agencies that handled major stadium and club tours of the 1970s and 1980s.
Elliman became a sought-after session vocalist and collaborator, contributing to recordings and live performances with artists including Eric Clapton, members of Toto, and session musicians like Jeff Porcaro and David Paich. She worked with songwriters and producers across labels such as Polydor Records and appeared on projects that involved figures from A&M Records-era sessions and Island Records productions. Throughout the 1980s and beyond she participated in reunions, guest appearances on tribute albums, and studio sessions for artists spanning rock music, soul music, and pop rock.
Elliman married and later settled outside the major recording hubs, occasionally returning for sessions, reunion performances, and anniversary concerts celebrating works like Jesus Christ Superstar. Her legacy includes influence on performers blending musical theatre with pop and rock vocal styles, and recognition by peers in the music industry for her versatility in studio and stage settings. She is cited in biographies and histories of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar, and by musicians associated with the session communities of the 1970s and 1980s.
Category:American singers Category:Musical theatre actors from Hawaii Category:1951 births Category:Living people