Biography
Amanda Christian Amaya-Shaw, born August 2, 1990, in Mandeville, Louisiana, began her musical journey at age four with classical violin lessons at Southeastern Louisiana University's Community Music School. By age eight, she transitioned to Cajun music, immersing herself in the vibrant sounds of New Orleans, including fais do-dos, jazz, blues, funk, and rock 'n' roll, despite growing up on the opposite side of the state from Cajun music's birthplace in Lafayette. A child prodigy, she released her first independent album, Little Black Dog, in 2001 at around age 11, followed by I'm Not a Bubble Gum Pop Princess in 2004, which blended traditional Cajun melodies with covers like The Clash's 'Should I Stay or Should I Go?' and The Ramones' 'I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend' (retitled 'Girlfriend').[2][1][3]
Fun Facts
- At age 15, Shaw signed a record deal with Rounder Records, releasing Pretty Runs Out in 2008, and opted out of high school graduation from Mount Carmel Academy to pursue touring, earning her GED instead.[2][1]
- She appeared in Disney Channel movies Stuck in the Suburbs (2004) and Now You See It... (2005), and narrated the Hurricane Katrina documentary Hurricane on the Bayou (2006) alongside Tab Benoit and Allen Toussaint.[2]
- Shaw hosted the annual Amanda Shaw Cajun Christmas Special on WGNO from 2017 to 2021.[2]
- She has performed on major TV events including Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (2020), CNN New Year's Eve (2018-2021), Today Show's Roker-thon, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.[1][2]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Southeastern Louisiana University Community Music School - Early musical training institution for classical violin (Initial lessons starting at age 4) [1994-1998]
Key Collaborators
- The Cute Guys - Her backing band for live performances and tours (Multiple albums and annual New Orleans Jazz Fest appearances) [2000s-present]
- Kent Wells - Producer and Dolly Parton bandleader (Upcoming 2025 project blending Cajun and Americana) [2024-2025]
- Choppa - Featured artist on single ('Louisiana Saturday Night' music video) [Recent]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pretty Runs Out | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Please, Call Me Miss Shaw | 2018-04-04 | Album |
| Good Southern Girl | 2010-08-31 | Album |
| La Joie D'Louisiane | 2020-07-29 | Album |
| Joie | 2020-07-29 | Album |
| Good Southern Girl | 2010-08-31 | Album |
| Pretty Runs Out | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| I'm Not A Bubble Gum Pop Princess | 2004-04-06 | Album |
| I'm Not A Bubble Gum Pop Princess | 2004-04-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- How Lucky You Are (The Offline Playlist Pt. 2)
- Louisiana Saturday Night (Louisiana Saturday Night)
- Gone (Pretty Runs Out)
- Holiday (Please, Call Me Miss Shaw)
- Busy Body (Busy Body)
- Pretty Runs Out (Pretty Runs Out)
- Callin' Baton Rouge (Callin' Baton Rouge)
- French Jig (Pretty Runs Out)
- Bad (Bad)
- Good Southern Girl (Good Southern Girl)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Amanda Shaw has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 14, 2025 | 13:57 | Holidayfrom Please Call Me Miss Shaw | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |