Yvonne Marianne Elliman (born Honolulu, Hawaii, December 29, 1951) is an American singer.

Elliman's singing career began in the early 70's in London where she performed as a vocalist at various bars and clubs. This led to a recording contract and a close association as a backing vocalist for Eric Clapton. She performed on many of his 70's hits including "I Shot the Sheriff".

She appeared in the Broadway and film versions of "Jesus Christ Superstar" as Mary Magdalene and achieved her first hit single with the ballad "I Don't Know How to Love Him". This performance led to a 1974 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

Her recording career began to take off from this point and she scored several hit singles throughout the world, including cover versions of the Barbara Lewis hit "Hello Stranger" and the Bee Gees "Love Me". Her biggest success came in 1978 with her #1 hit from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, "If I Can't Have You" which was also written by the Bee Gees. The huge success of the latter song has resulted in Elliman being remembered as a disco artist, though this style of music was an exception to the medium-tempo ballads that she specialized in, and which comprised the bulk of her recordings.

A few minor hits followed in 1979, including the theme song from the film "Moment by Moment", and another disco track "Love Pains", but her career had reached its peak, and with marriage and motherhood Elliman was willing to retire from performing.

Her official website has announced that a new album, titled Simple Needs, will be released in early 2005.

External link

• Official Yvonne Elliman site