Editing Rick Elias (section)

== Biography ==

Elias was born in [[San Diego, California]], eventually attending [[Azusa Pacific University]] outside [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite web | title=Richard Robert Elias Obituary | work=legacy.com | access-date=April 24, 2019 | url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/obituary.aspx?n=richard-robert-elias&pid=192100698 }}</ref> In 1984, Elias moved to work full-time in L.A. and within a few years would be recording with producer, [[Niko Bolas]].

Later Elias wrote and produced music in Nashville, Tennessee, while performing solo throughout the U.S. and internationally. His music was included in the 1996 movie ''[[That Thing You Do!]]'', ''[[Dawsons Creek]]'', ''[[My Big Fat Greek Wedding]]'', as well as other albums, independent films, and TV shows. During his career, Elias produced for artists such as [[Rich Mullins]], [[Amy Grant]], [[Aaron Neville]], [[Michael W. Smith]], and [[Randy Stonehill]]. He released four solo projects. His work was nominated and awarded by the [[Gospel Music Association|GMA]], UCMVA, and the Nashville Music Awards. His first solo record, ''Rick Elias & The Confessions'', was voted No. 58 in the top 100 greatest albums in [[Christian music]], as listed by ''[[CCM Magazine]]'' in 2001.{{CN|date=December 2023}}

In 2018, it was revealed that he had cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.classicchristian247.com/2018/10/rick-elias-health/|title=Rick Elias Health|date=October 12, 2018|website=Classic Christian 247|access-date=October 26, 2018}}</ref> A benefit concert was held by members of A Ragamuffin Band and performers from ''[[The Jesus Record]]'' on February 2, 2019, to raise money for his medical bills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Benefit_Concert/64483/p1/|title=Benefit Concert: Support for Rick Elias, now diagnosed with brain cancer|website=crossrhythms.co.uk|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> Elias died on April 2, 2019, from brain cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2019/apr/03/rip-harlequin-and-vision-guitarist-rick-elias/|title=RIP Harlequin and Vision guitarist Rick Elias|first=Jay Allen|last=Sanford|website=sandiegoreader.com|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>