MELISSA ETHERIDGE FACTS:
Genre: Rock, Folk Rock
Hometown: Leavenworth, Kansas
Awards: 2 Grammy Awards. 15 Nominations
Albums: 1988: Melissa Etheridge; 1989: Brave and Crazy; 1992: Never Enough; 1993: Yes I Am; 1995: Your Little Secret; 1999: Breakdown; 2001: Skin; 2004: Lucky; 2007: The Awakening; 2010: Fearless Love
Hits: "Bring Me Some Water"; "Ain't It Heavy"; "Come to My Window"; "Angels Would Fall"; "Enough of Me"
There have been few artists over the past 25 years who have had more success than Melissa Etheridge. During her long career she has been able to gain a loyal following of fans through her truthful lyrics, unique voice and folk-infused pop music. Despite being diagnosed with breast caner in 2004, Etheridge has continued to work relentlessly and still tours regularly.
Etheridge's interest in music began at a young age, when she started playing guitar at the age of eight. Her musical talent eventually carried her to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Although her time on the East coast provided her with plenty of opportunities to hone her skills, she left Berklee after just three semesters to attempt a career in music in Los Angeles.
After playing in a series of California clubs, Etheridge released her first self-titled album in 1988, and the song "Bring Me Some Water" earned her the first of her 15 Grammy nominations. While Etheridge's next two albums, Brave and Crazy and Never Enough, both continued the moderate success she enjoyed from her first album, it was not until 1993's Yes I Am that she became a household name. The album featured hits such as "I'm The Only One" and "Come to My Window," the latter earned her a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.
Around this time, Etheridge began to grow in cultural significance as well, as she became a champion for gay and lesbian rights after publicly coming out during the inaugural celebration of President Bill Clinton. Throughout the 90s Etheridge continued to enjoy success, culminating in 1999s Breakdown, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.
In the 17 years since Yes I Am made her a star, Etheridge has continued to be one of the most popular female musicians. Along with her Grammy success, she has also taken home an Oscar, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, "I Need To Wake Up" from the documentary An Invconvenient Truth, in 2007.
Aside from performing, she has been among the most politically active musicians. Etheridge has been an ardent supporter of same-sex marriage in California and she performed at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. She has also consistently played at charity events, including a number of benefits for victims of Hurricane Katrina. She has released seven albums since 1993, including 2010's Fearless Love, and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.