Music Monday Featured Artist: Amanda Kate Ferris

Raised in a no-stop-light-town in Red River, NM, Amanda Kate Ferris grew up equally inspired by her small-town upbringing and her mother, Kathy Wright, an artist and entertainer herself. As one of the original “Dean Martin Golddiggers” on the 1960s TV show, 18-year-old Kathy often collaborated with the swashbuckling crooners of The Rat Pack, embracing the glamor of the era. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree and young Amanda was singing as early as 2 years old. Inspired by her mother’s tales of performing on the stage and screen, she developed her own voice in the church. Amanda added songwriting to her repertoire at age 14, looking again to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a full-time musician and artist. During her mother’s long sets at Honky Tonks between California, New Mexico, and Texas, Amanda fell in love with the music of The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, and Brooks & Dunn, all of which heavily influenced her current sound.  

Her love of Country music led her to chase her dreams in Nashville. Over the next few years, she went through multiple groups, opportunities, and countless hours spent on her craft in Music City. On the brink of letting these long sought-after dreams go, Amanda decided that she needed a change of pace and settled in Midlothian, TX, with her family. After she and her husband welcomed their first child, Amanda was back on stage, this time primarily singing cover songs. It fulfilled her love of performing, but she felt a calling again to create her own music. 

In October 2022, Ferris released her next single “Baby Don’t” which honors her Texas Country roots and showcases her captivating vocals. The song was sent to Texas / Red Dirt radio marking her debut on the terrestrial format. Ferris also had the honor of performing the national anthem in her home state of Texas as the Houston Texans took on the Philadelphia Eagles for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime. She captivated the crowd with her powerful vocals and stadium-filling stage presence. She also recently performed at NFR for the second consecutive year where she shared new music with thousands of fellow rodeo fans. 

Amanda kicked off 2023 with more music and the official announcement of her now available EP Pedal Steel. It features her second single, “Tequila & Jesus,” written by CMA award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year Lainey Wilson, Josh Thomson, and Brent Anderson. The impressive collection of music reflects upon her Western influences, love of Country music history, and authentic ranch lifestyle. A cowgirl at heart, she spends her free time rehabilitating rescue horses at Rockin R Rescue Ranch, an activity she enjoyed with her mom as a young girl. 

On the road, Amanda Kate Ferris has graced the stage with such acts as Tracy Lawrence, Warren Zeiders, Chase Rice, Priscilla Block, and Josh Abbott Band.