Dartmouth’s Amy Manny a Local Up-and-Comer [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Let's take five and meet a local dynamo, Amy Manny, a go-getter and singer-songwriter attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, majoring in Music Ed with a focus on jazz vocals.

As a show host, as much as I cover the controversial stuff, I believe it's as important to focus on the people who make the SouthCoast exceptional – and Amy is truly first-class.

When Amy was a kid, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. At the ripe old age of eight, Amy was trained by the unparalleled Sharon Jensen, and coached by her musical champions, leading singer-songwriters Rebecca Correia and Jillian Jensen. Amy also connected with legendary music producer Junior Cabral, who has over 45 credits for his work with major artists, movies and television. Now, at 19 years old, Amy welcomes all the excitement of entertaining professionally, but in her heart, she has her sights set on enlightening children as a music teacher.

In other words, she's a giver, and as you know, the world is thirsting for altruists.

During our on-air chat, I asked her if she practiced every day. She said when you love what you do, it's not practice. I can see Mark Twain smiling on her from the hereafter.

Amy's newest single titled "Free" is now available on all major platforms for streaming and downloading, and you can friend her on Facebook, but whatever you do, take notice of this very talented mover and shaker.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.