Amy Sky

Born in Canada, Amy Sky enjoyed a decade of notable accomplishments in the music industry before issuing her first album in 1996. Trained in classical cello technique, she is the daughter of broadcaster and psychologist Dr. Sandy Shiner. Songwriting began for her at age 13, and she performed with cover bands during her pursuit of a theory-and-composition degree at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. Her earliest paid role was as a backing vocalist for Toronto rockabilly performer Ronnie Hawkins. Six months later she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, drawn by stronger prospects for writers and performers. In 1985 MCA Music placed her on staff, where she collaborated with local songwriters Wayland Holyfield and Mark Wright. After moving to Los Angeles she wed singer-songwriter Marc Jordan. Sky has since earned international recognition as a lyricist, her first major success arriving through the co-written “Just A Little Love” with Holyfield for Reba McEntire. Additional assignments followed for Diana Ross on “Stranger In Paradise,” Belinda Carlisle on “Deep Deep Ocean,” Steve Wariner on “When We’re Together,” and Heart on both “Cherry Blossom Road” and “Voodoo Doll.” She maintained a long-term association with Jennifer Rush that yielded “Wings Of Desire.” Plans for her own recordings were twice postponed, first by difficulties at MCA and later at Capitol Records. The resulting debut, Cool Rain, appeared in 1996 and featured multiple tracks developed with writing partner Bruce Gaitsch alongside other musicians. Its successor, Burnt By The Sun, brought Sky a second Juno nomination for Songwriter Of The Year. Beyond the studio she performed in the Toronto production of Blood Brothers opposite David Cassidy.