ELIAS

Elias:
Twelve-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas native, Elijah Manuel Ash, spent his formative years steeped in the Christian faith, surrounded by a strong immediate and extended “church” family. At the tender age of 3, he began singing in the children’s choir at First Deliverance Temple in Lonoke, Arkansas. His mother later moved their membership to his stepfather Pastor Jermyn Johnson, Sr.’s church, Faith, Hope and Charity.

Even at such a young age, this dynamic, powerful servant of God demonstrated an advanced interest in music and a strong anointing for singing the praises of the Lord.

Elijah was born with a keen ear for music, learning gospel song lyrics in their entirety within minutes of hearing them. At six, he sat at a keyboard and to everyone’s amazement began playing the melody to Smokey Norful’s “I Need You Now”. He then proceeded to sing the lyrics as well! This performance drew invitations to perform that very song at numerous church and community events.

By the age of seven, Elijah joined and became one of the key praise dancers for “Praise with a Message.” His passion for singing for God only deepened - by the end of that year, he had written and composed three songs, convincing his parents that Elijah’s passion and desire to sing praises to God was real.

Because of his Hispanic heritage, when he was nine years old, Elijah decided that his stage name would be the Spanish translation of his Biblical name - “ELIAS.” (Pronounced: EH-LEE-AHS).

Elias is an “A” honor roll student entering his seventh grade year at Horace Mann Magnet middle school in Little Rock, AR.

His diverse interests include: portraiture, fashion design, reading, anime and, of course, writing lyrics and composing music. His favorite TV shows include: American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Sonny with a Chance, and anything involving gymnastics, fashion or interior decorating. Favorite foods include, Puerto Rican Yellow Rice, Lasagna, Steak, and Nachos! His favorite color is baby blue, and his favorite artists are Temmora, Demi Lavato and Mary Mary, but his inspiration for pushing forward with his singing goals is Smokey Norful.
Elias is active in numerous social, academic and religious clubs.

After enduring many years of elementary and middle shcool bullying; he has been inspired and led by God to also write lyrics related to overcoming such taunts. He is a true advocate against any type of bullying in the schools.

Musically, Elias has participated, performed and been showcased at many local, statewide, and regional community, religious and private events, among them: 2006 Windsong Arkansas Star Search (2nd Round winner), 2008 America’s Got Talent Auditions, Cinco de Mayo Celebration opening artist.

After reconsidering two major secular offers, Elias is still determined to use his voice to worship God and inspire his fans and listeners. He looks forward to a long anointed career in the music industry as a Contemporary Christian and Inspirational recording artist.