Elias was born in
San Diego, California, eventually attending
Azusa Pacific University outside
Los Angeles. 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
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. In 2018, it was revealed that he had cancer. 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. Elias died on April 2, 2019, from brain cancer. ==Discography==