Andranik Madadian
Andranik Madadian is an Iranian-Armenian singer-songwriter and actor. Andy Madadian’s immense musical talent, humanitarian efforts and diverse background have culminated in a remarkable entertainment career spanning 40 years, during which he has become a beloved icon around the world. Nicknamed the “Persian Bono”. the Iranian-Armenian American musician has toured extensively around the globe many times over playing some of the world’s most prestigious venues, theatres, and stadiums and has sold millions of albums in the process. On May 13th, 2017, Andy became the first Iranian-Armenian-American singer to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medals of Honor in New York and on September 20th 2019 He became the first Iranian to receive the grand Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Hollywood Blvd, followed by 2019 Family film awards, Life Time Achievement award.
Andy has been awarded and recognized not only for his musical contributions to the international community, but for his humanitarian efforts. He recorded the song “Stand by Me” with Jon Bon Jovi to show solidarity and bring awareness for the people of Iran, garnering over millions of hits on YouTube. In addition to high profile musical collaborations with Jon Bon Jovi, Ritchie Sambora, La Toya Jackson, Don Was and John Shanks, he has contributed musically and as an actor to films including The House of Sand and Fog, The Keeper, as well as indie films.
In the United States, he has played at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the prestigious Dolby (Kodak) Theatre in Hollywood and large-scale venues in Las Vegas. Andy has won several awards over the course of his 40 year career, including the Icon Award and Best Duet with La Toya Jackson from the Big Apple Music Awards, the Concord Award from Moscow in 2014, The Voice of America (Persian News Program) award for Best Artist of the Year, the FOG (Festival of Globe) Award for Legendary Artist and Excellence in Music in San Jose, CA, and several awards from AMFA. He is the first Iranian/Armenian singer that was invited to the White House. On September 291th 2019, Andy received the prestigious Life Time Awards from Family Film Festival. Whether Andy is performing and producing music or acting, he is a trailblazer forging a new path that redefines traditional musical borders. He continues to play to sold-out venues all over the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Russia and the Middle East. His touring schedule regularly includes countries that American based artists rarely (if ever) perform in, including Armenia, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and cities such as Tashkent and Samarghand, among others, all the while spreading his universal message of love and joy.
Accomplishments
-The first Iranian/Armenian singer invited to the White House
-Career spanning 40 years has released 15 albums that have sold millions of copies internationally
-Performed 9 times at Greek Theatre in LA
-Performed 4 times at the Dolby (Kodak) Theatre in LA
-Contributed to the musical score and was featured singing in DreamWorks’ The House of Sand & Fog (featuring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly)
-Has supported and contributed to many indie films as an actor and a musician.
-Featured Halftime Performer for the exclusive Chelsea VS Inter-Milan Soccer Match at the Rose Bowl Pasadena and LA Galaxy vs Armenia
In “Lost Journey” he has a featured role. He has contributed to the score for “Futbaal,” “The Florist,” and Guide Company Films “The Keeper”
In “American Wrestler “he performs the theme song written and produced by Shani Rigsbee and Jamie Christopherson.
Awards
-2017 Ellis Island Medals of Honor from NECO (National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations)
-2019 Family film Awards, Life Time Achievement Award
-Big Apple Music Awards in NYC: ICON Award and Best Duet with La Toya Jackson, 2016
-Concord Award from Moscow, 2014
-Family Film Awards, Life Time Achievement for Music
-Big Apple Music Awards in NYC: Millennium Award 2014
-Big Apple Music Awards in NYC: Legend Award, 2009
-Big Apple Music Awards in NYC: Diamond Award, 2004
-Voice of America (Persian News Program): Best Artist of the Year
-FOG (Festival of Globe) Award for Legendary Artist and Excellence in Music in San Jose, CA
-Persian Industry Gala Ceremony at Universal Studios Amphitheater: Persian Pop Male Singer of the Decade
-City of LA: 2 Outstanding Achievement Awards
-AMFA Award: Best International Album, 2004
-AMFA Award: Best International Album, 2000
-AMFA Award: Best Armenian World Artist,1999
-AMFA Award: Best International Album, 1998
-Armenian Pulse named him the best Armenian International Singer of the Year, 2014
List of Contributions to the Community and Civic Oriented Participation:
A true humanitarian, Andy has appeared and contributed to many international charitable causes during the span of his career, including:
-He is an Officer of Voices Out, a (pending) 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by his wife. Voices Out’s mission is to provide a voice and aid children and animals in neglectful, abusive and abandoned conditions both in the US and abroad. He has traveled to Armenia to assist rescue missions for animal sanctuaries and spends time in LA helping dogs find their forever homes. The organization also financially helps Syrian refugees in Armenia.
-He has performed countless concerts gratis for the City of Los Angeles for various fundraisers with the goal of unifying people of various religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds including the Jewish community, Armenian community, the LAPD, etc. His continued efforts to contribute his time and talent for the overall welfare of the city were recognized and awarded twice by Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles.
-He recorded the song “Stand by Me” with Jon Bon Jovi to show solidarity and bring awareness for the people of Iran, garnering millions of hits on YouTube.
-He helped organize “We Hear Your Voice”, a humanitarian song and video that promotes world peace and unity, with proceeds benefiting international children’s charities (produced by his wife Shani Rigsbee). “We Hear Your Voice” included the participation of 11 notable musician superstars from 11 different countries who all came together with the goal of spreading hope and love throughout the world.
-He performed at the One World Peace Concert with the Dalai Lama and other high-profile musical artists in 2012 to promote international peace.
-He recorded a humanitarian song, “Bi Sabah El Alf El Talet,” with Lebanese singer Mayssa Karaa and performed at the historical MasterPeace Concert in Amsterdam.
-He has visited the UCLA cancer ward, using his talent, warmth, and love to bring happiness to those in need.
-He has traveled to the MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas to visit children with cancer.
-He has donated countless hours and performances for fundraisers to help build medical clinics and to support medical facilities around the world, including in Afghanistan, for those without access to quality medical care.
-A vegetarian for 38 years, he has been an active advocate for animal welfare and health.