Merry Christmas! Elliott Yamin: 'Stay humbled, stay grounded. Just be yourself.' James Brown, Rest In Peace, 'Godfather of Soul'

As I listen to Elliott Yamin's marvelous version of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas', I wanted to wish all the soul survivors a wonderful Christmas. I was shocked and saddened by the passing of the late, great Godfather of Soul, James Brown. What a loss. What an amazing, soulful performer. I remember seeing JB live many times..the first time was at a beautiful outdoor jazz festival one summer in Nice, France. James was jammin and rockin da house so hot it was standing room only..this was all outside, mind you..it was so packed and soulful and live we were standin on the elevated trunks of the olive trees to check out da Godfather doin his thang!..oh man, it was so damn fine! What a performance! JB was funkin! And the band was so tight! It was soo da bomb! And folks had climbed up into the high branches of the olive trees to get a better look..the Godfather was rockin it so hard all the trees on the hillside were shakin as everybody jammed and moved and dug the great JB..so truly awesome! Just a few years ago we drove up one glorious, beautiful perfect day to a sold out benefit to see James Brown at the Count Basie theatre..my man hadn't ever seen the Godfather, and I said, oh, man, we gotta go! It was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Today, Richmond.com recognized the best quotes of 2006..at the top of the list was Elliott Yamin: "Stay humbled, stay grounded. Just be yourself." Words to live by. Spoken by the soulful, humble and extraordinarily talented Elliott Yamin who won our hearts with his moving beautiful tribute to the late, great, remarkable Donny Hathaway. Elliott's wonderful mom, Claudette, also had a memorable quote recalling 'her son's most rebellious stunt as a teenager': "He wasn't a bad kid ever. Elliott dropped out of school in the 10th grade. I allowed him to drop out so I would not be arrested for allowing him to be truant. But the deal was, you drop out of school, you go work at McDonald's because that's the best place you'll ever work without an education. So he did. And one night, Elliott didn't come home, so I locked him out of the apartment. He actually slept on top of the washing machines."

Elliott Yamin's 'A Song For You': Most Moving Idol Performance

Kevin D. Thompson of the Palm Beach Post reviews the year in television and rates Elliott Yamin's 'A Song For You' as the 'Most moving American Idol performance: Elliott Yamin crooning Donnie Hathaway's A Song for You to perfection. My goosebumps haven't gone away yet.' Absolutely! Couldn't agree more! Virtuoso performance! I was cryin with Paula with my hands in the air in reverence to Elliott and Donny when E sang A Song For You..it was masterful! My man was out of town and missed it, so I was home alone and it was very emotional..(we usually watched and voted for E together)..when he called I said omg! wait till u see E! and when he returned a few days later I got to relive it all over again..and my man and I were both blown away..a very special moment, song, performance..simply magical! We love you, Elliott! Your soulful vibrance breathes new life to music and moves us to the very core of our being. Beautiful!

Happy Holidays! 'This Christmas' with Elliott Yamin

We're carolin thru the nite! I've been enjoying Elliott Yamin's exquisite, extraordinary vocal on 'This Christmas', 'I Believe To My Soul', 'A Song For You' and 'Moody's Mood For Love'. Beautiful! I love it! So Soulful and Inspired. Elliott moves me like Donny Hathaway does. So few do. And a few folks are taking note of Elliott's remarkable talent and musical performance. Music at the Baldchemist writes, 'Well, a liitle be-lated but I have just been listening to arguably the finest modern singer for a long long time-The fabulous Elliot Yamin. Without any doubts, as far as I am concerned this wonderfully human interpreter of lyric and harmony will be the Tony Bennett of the future. Only Bennett and possibly Sinatra ever gave music so much passion and feel into their timing, and phrasing. No hystronics just gets up and moves his audience like no other. I'm guessing, but he seems to live and feel music. Putting all of his obvious love into it. Many thanks Elliot you have put back my faith into modern music interpretation. I have spent my whole life as a singer all over the World and have rarely heard such talent. Great phrasers are in short supply I spend hours listening to Tony Bennett Nina Simone, Streisand et al, believe me Elliot Yamin is well on the way to being amongst them as an icon to great music. Like Bennett he has what is missing from music these days -Humility. I for one will be amongst the first to buy his music.' A man of my heart! I completely agree! We are feelin and diggin Elliott's magnificent talent and enjoyed Elliott's 'Moody's Mood For Love' on Continental channel 5 during our holiday travel.. the local TV station preempted Extra last night (til the wee hours of the mornin) so we didn't get to see E..needing my E fix here, lol! It would be wonderful to see Elliott as Richmonder of the year! go Elliott! Elliott gives a behind-the-scenes look at recording 'This Christmas' in the studio.

Oh, yeah..Amazing! And I anxiously await the latest E news..thud! No announcement yet, but the Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that Elliott is currently recording in New York and his album is set for release in time for Valentine's Day! Oh! Yes! It's a beautiful, beautiful thing! Thud! Happy Holidays, all! I'm soo happy and excited for Elliott Yamin 'This Christmas'! Here's the last Extra clip for those of us who didn't get to see last night..we luv you, Elliott!

Elliott shined live in a charity concert with a sparkling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' and Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas'. Elliott's recent live performance at Genworth Classic is incredible! Check it out.

Is a Deal on the Horizon for Elliott Yamin? A Happy Holiday Indeed!

As I enjoyed Elliott Yamin's soulful new classic single, 'This Christmas'.. Wonderful news greeted my eyes upon seeing today's Richmond Times- Dispatch.. Could Elliott Yamin have a recording deal on the horizon? What an exciting holiday, indeed! The article reads: 'Claudette Yamin.. brought autographed photographs of her son, Elliott Yamin of "American Idol" fame..Claudette Yamin..said her son planned to attend a White House holiday celebration this week before making an announcement about a recording deal next week.' OMG! I'm soo excited! Congratulations, Elliott! I can't wait to hear all the fantastic news! You made my day, week, month, year and holiday season! Go Elliott! We love you! I gotta watch Elliott's terrific 'This Christmas' video again!

Congratulations, Elliott Yamin. "This Christmas" #1 on internet radio, Top 10 Men of 2006

Many fine congrats to Elliott Yamin. "This Christmas" sounds fantastic! We've been buying many copies for ourselves and for gifts..love it! Congratulations, Elliott! "This Christmas" is #1 at UU-BRU internet radio, you're one of the Top 10 Men of 2006, and you're shooting up the Top holiday singles! UU-BRU internet radio writes, 'As expected, Elliott Yamin's first official release zooms to the top of UU-BRU Internet Radio. His cover of "This Christmas", originally recorded by Donny Hathaway in 1970, moves from #22 to #1 this week. It's appropriate that Elliott Yamin covered a Donny Hathaway classic. His showstopping performance of "A Song For You", written by Leon Russell and recorded by Donny Hathaway among others, was arguably the highlight of American Idol 5. The 21 spot move to number one is impressive...Elliott Yamin will most likely spend at least one more week at number one before "This Christmas" is removed from the playlist after the holiday.' Elliott is also one of Lycos' Top 10 Men of 2006. Lycos writes, '..former American Idol contestant Elliot Yamin sees the biggest jump in search interest over the past year, making the list of most-searched men of 2006.' And, Elliott's wonderful version of "This Christmas" climbs the Top Holidays singles charts.. way to go, E! Go Elliott! We love you and we can't get enough!

Elliott Yamin Shines Bright! Fantastic New Single, 'This Christmas' on iTunes!

At long last..Elliott Yamin's fantastic new single, 'This Christmas' is now available on iTunes! What a terrific release! Oh! Elliott Yamin is magnificent! So soulful! Wonderful, rich, vibrant vocal! Elliott is so truly Amazing! Elliott is the 'Real Deal'..Elliott has a true, inspiring, incredible gift that deeply touches the heart and soul! Elliott is so very special..sings with rare, extraordinary soul and is an incredible jazz and blues singer! E moves you like the late great Donny Hathaway. Elliott shines so bright! E brings tears of joy, hope and inspiration! Outstanding performance! I loved the soulful vocal and tight, soulful groovin arrangement with LIVE instruments! Yes! Awesome!!! I could listen to it over and over all day and night..24/7, baby! I love it! Highly Recommended! Oh, yeah! Buy it!! Definitely!! Go Elliott!!
Elliott Yamin unveils his new look and smile in People magazine. Check it out! Absolutely gorgeous! I can't stop listening to Elliott's new single, a fantastic version of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas'. So soulful, inspired. Beautiful! An amazing, exquisite, extraordinary vocal. There's a rich, soulful spirit that pours out of him with such effortlessness..it's truly a gift..it just gets better and better! Elliott really has that remarkable quality..we've all been so amazed these many months..he just moves the soul..he's really comin into his own..he's still growing and it's truly wonderful! We've been inspired and struck with wonder since spring..he's just so amazing! Elliott's 'This Christmas' is available on iTunes and AOL music. Elliott gives a behind-the- scenes look at recording 'This Christmas' in the studio.

Oh, yeah..Amazing! So soulful..I'm feelin it! You shine ever so brightly, Elliott! Fantastic! Am thudding over my People magazine which magically appeared today! Way to go, E! It was magical, man..a truly beautiful, beautiful thing..thank you so very much! Elliott shined live in a charity concert with a sparkling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' and Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas'. Elliott recent live performance is incredible! Check it out.

Oh, Elliott! It was wonderful! I'm so happy, breathless with joy..soo excited and stoked! I can't stop listening to your 'This Christmas' single on and I can't stop watching that incredible performance of the Star Spangled Banner, 'What's Goin On' and the live version of 'This Christmas'! It was Outstanding! Incredible performance! Loved it! Soo soulful, classy. I love the hair and that exquisitely tailored jacket was HOT!! It fit you f i n e..THUD! Check out Elliott's radio interview on Star94, the new issue of People magazine, Elliott's myspace page, AOL music, iTunes, rickey.org, Etrainstation, Yaminions, I Believe In My Soul, live videos: 'Star Spangled Banner' 'What's Goin On' 'This Christmas', from the studio recording 'This Christmas' and from Extra. I'm feelin that beautiful E magic! I Believe In My Soul. You inspire us, Elliott! It's a beautiful thing.

AOL music writes, 'Elliott Shines Bright. Elliott Yamin shows why he made it to last season's top three with this holiday song--his first single since the competition.'
Edna Gundersen of USA TODAY writes, 'Elliott Yamin: While he hasn't snagged a record deal, Yamin has been writing and recording songs for an upcoming album; he also signed a publishing deal with Sony and just unveiled his cover of Donny Hathaway's soulful This Christmas on AOL. "The more time goes on, the less impact he's going to have from the show," Gamboa says. However, delayed success is possible, he says, pointing to Idol reject Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-buzz star of Dreamgirls. "Nobody thought about her, and then she got this role," Gamboa says. "Elliott is a talented guy. In the Idol tour, the audience strongly responded to him. If he finds the right vehicle, it won't matter that he didn't strike while the iron was hot."' I think Elliott's right where he should be and I hope he's allowed creative latitude to pursue his fine soulful authenticity..I would love to see him soulfully shine..just like Donny Hathaway. And as we see..Elliott already is. Shine ever so brightly, Elliott. We love you, man! You deserve the best! Your wonderful soulful gift inspires us.

Elliott Yamin Shines in New Single and Wonderful Behind-the-Scenes Video: 'This Christmas'

A remarkable, joyous day for E fans.. Elliott Yamin has a long awaited new single, a stellar version of Donny Hathaway's classic, 'This Christmas' and Elliott just posted a terrific new behind-the-scenes video of E in the studio recording. The video was especially soulful..I really loved it! Thank you Elliott--it's well worth the wait. A fine, tremendous treat! Another amazing performance! What a wonderful, reverent tribute to Donny Hathaway! I'm sure he is smiling down..you shine ever so brightly and do him so very proud, Elliott. Thank you. You can check out and listen to Elliott's new single and watch the marvelous behind-the-scenes 'This Christmas' video at Elliott's myspace page, www.myspace.com/elliottyamin. You can also hear Elliott's single at aol.com and etrainstation.com. Elliott's new version of 'This Christmas' will be available at aol and iTunes. I can't wait! The perfect gift for everyone I know and love for the holidays! Now I can't wait for Elliott's album which is due out on February 14th, and Elliott's concert tour in 2007! Elliott is simply amazing live and in person..it will without a doubt be quite a remarkable performance. I am looking forward to it! Elliott just unveiled his new music, behind-the-scenes video and new look on Extra and Elliott will be featured in a new upcoming issue of People magazine which should be fantastic! Did I mention he's gorgeous?
Oh, Elliott..it's so very exciting! Thank you so much! I just watched the video for 'This Christmas' seven times in a row (I'm going to watch it again!) and I can't stop listening to your wonderful music! Magnificent! Made my whole day, night, week, year! The single and the video are Outstanding! Inspired. I loved it! Loved the vocal, the arrangement, the band--so soulful! Excellent! The single and video are really fantastic! Many fine congratulations! Wishing you all the best..you deserve it! We are so excited and happy for you! Sending much love and aloha to you and your family and loved ones..Happy holidays! Peace. Love. Happiness. It's a Beautiful, Beautiful Thing.

More Exciting Elliott Yamin News!

More exciting news for Elliott Yamin fans! Elliott just posted: 'Thursday, December 07, 2006 MORE EXCITING NEWS Current mood: restless Category: caused I'm so excited!
'Hey everybody! I'm so glad ya'll are feeling my version of "This Christmas"! As you know it is already streaming on AOL, and should be available for purchase on iTunes today! Just wanted to make sure my fans had a chance to vibe with it 1ST!...In case you haven't noticed, there is also a short video of the making of "This Christmas" in the studio on my profile page..The concoction of talent used to build this song was incredible! DJ Lethal...my man Ollie layed down the bass....one of the sickeest pianists I've seen-Eli...live horns and guitar...and to top it all off, we were blessed w/the live drum track from an old school legend by the name of James Gatson...He was Bill Withers' drummer back in the day!!(check out his live @carnigie hall album-just 1 of my personal favorites!)...I will also be featured in the latest issue of People Magazine, which I believe should be hitting the newstands today as well! I'm so grateful for your patience and support....and elated to finally be able to release some music to the masses! Trust me when I say that this is only the beginning of greater things yet to come! I'm just as hungry as you are, and that's why I've been so busy writing w/some top notch katz for the album! There are tons of great things on the horizon for me right now and I truly can't wait to share all the news w/ya'll! I'm very blessed.....and so are you!.....Stay tuned for the scoop on where I'll be on Christmas day!' I'm soo Excited!! Stokin Awesome!

Congratulations! Elliott Yamin Wins Moosak! Can't Wait For 'This Christmas'!

Go Elliott! Congratulations! Elliott has won Moosak's Top 100 for the seventh straight month as the hottest music artist! Way. to. go. Elliott! Yeah! Am soo excited about your upcoming music and tour! Thud! Wonderful article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch! Can't wait for Elliott's version of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas' which is due out any day now on iTunes and aol music! Luv you, Elliott! Am so excited to hear it! E's album is due in February! Can't wait to hear Elliott! Wonderful news! Here's an excerpt from the article: 'Yes,Yaminions, there is a Santa Claus, and he has finally brought you a piece of recorded material from the idol you still worship. Since his October concert at the State Fair of Virginia, Richmond's "American Idol," Elliott Yamin, has eluded the public for good reason -- he's been working. This week, Yamin unveils a cover of Donny Hathaway's smooth R&B nugget, "This Christmas," exclusively on AOL (http://music.aol.com/) and iTunes (www.itunes.com). The song was recorded at California's Pulse Recording in Silver Lake, just outside of Los Angeles, during Yamin's monthlong, cross-country hop from the West Coast to Nashville to Atlanta, where he has been meeting with songwriters and producers..last week Yamin inked a publishing contract with Sony/ATV..Yamin's manager, Monet Corso, says a Feb. 14 target date has been set for an album release, but that it won't come with any artistic compromise. "We don't want to lock him into a label where he can't make his own album. We want his creativity to grow," Corso said. Yamin was expected to wrap a holiday spread for People magazine yesterday and will be in an upcoming issue with his family. He'll fly to Richmond later this week to prepare for his appearance at Friday's Genworth Children's Advantage Classic at the Siegel Center.'