There is a glow that precedes every step Amanda King takes as she strolls onto a stage where she is self-possessed and in charge. There is the smile of an angel that promises something unique. And, singular it is. Never mind the frequent comparisons to some of our greats, Amanda is 100% Amanda. Her intelligence is her own spotlight. Not to her credit the genetic gift, but definitely to her credit what she does with it and how she has grown into her own style. She comes from a family of highly educated and accomplished musicians, and although she knows who she is and what she has to give, she takes her music seriously without putting herself in the center of any universe. Amanda, daughter of an opera singer, came to San Francisco to take her art into her own direction, to pursue a career as a jazz singer. She found the road bumpier than she had envisioned, and, although she and her 18-month old son were, at one point, homeless she has maintained a conscious gratitude for every blessing and is committed to giving back to the people of Raphael House who helped her when she needed it most. To hear Amanda talk about her family, her music, her son and her journey always in progress is a lesson in knowing what it means to live life beautifully. To hear Amanda sing is a pure gift.