Elias, as well as releasing three critically acclaimed solo albums, one of which the Los Angeles Times called "one of the best albums of 1990," is probably best known as a founding member of "A Ragamuffin Band" formed by the late Rich Mullins in the early '90s. Elias performed with Mullins until his untimely death in September 1997. At that time - at the request of Mullins' family, estate, and record label - Elias resumed the production of Mullins' posthumous release The Jesus Record, which went on to win 2 Dove Awards, and had two # 1 songs, "My Deliverer" (sung by Elias) and "Nothing Is Beyond You" (sung by Amy Grant).

The Rags continued to perform and released one more album, Prayers Of A Ragamuffin in 1999, produced by Elias. It included his song "Make Me An Instrument" which caught the ear of Vatican officials resulting in the band being invited to perform before the Pope and 2.4 million people in Rome, Italy for World Youth Day in August, 2000. Elias was also given the production reins for the official album for WYD, One.

Though the Rags have since disbanded, all three projects -- The Jesus Record, Prayers, and One -- remain a high point for Elias both spiritually and musically. Also, during this time ('95-'03) Elias contributed two songs to Bob Carlisle's multi-platinum, #1 album Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace), as well as writing five songs for the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do. He has a small part in the movie playing, what else, a guitar player in the Playtone Band.

Rick Elias' Kickstarter campaign runs through April 4th. More information can be found at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1265128972/rick-elias-new-project

 

 

 

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