--Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Artist and Mentor
"In the early years working with United By Music mentors like Bobby Rush and Kenny Neal really built my confidence on stage. Now I can build similar confidence in the current program artists by mentoring them and maximizing every opportunity to showcase their talent"
--Bruce Iglauer
President and Founder, Alligator Records
“What I hear from the United By Music America musicians comes from such an honest place. It was just thrilling to me to hear musicians who brought so much of themselves and put themselves into the songs in this way. It was also very exciting to see experienced blues musicians accompanying and working with them to bring the best out of everybody.”
--Tommy Castro (Tommy Castro & The Painkillers)
Mentor
“Music is what gave my life meaning, purpose and direction, and I recognize that feeling in the United By Music artists. I stay involved every chance I get, from rehearsing to performing on their sets to inviting the band to open for us on stage. I invite my musician friends to do the same -- give back a little bit and become a part of this and see how music really can solve so many problems.”
--John Boutté
Mentor
"It is inspirational to be included, invited, to be a mentor in this program. Thank you so much United By Music Band for recording Treme…you made it beautiful, beautiful.”
--Curley Taylor (Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble)
Mentor
“United By Music America is unique, like no other. Amanda and Barbara created a program to coach these talented musicians to fulfill their dream to being part of a band and performing on stage with professional musicians.”
--Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson (Southern Avenue)
Mentor
“My friend Amanda…what can I say…From the first time we met she has been full of love and inspiration and being a part of this project has been nothing less than fun and creative. I was overjoyed when she commissioned me to do some artwork for United By Music America. It’s an honor she chose my painting as her cover art and my tune as title track of the EP and I look forward to the success and expansion of such a wonderful group of people.”