BIOGRAPHY
Melissa Etheridge Biography
Birth Place:
Leavenworth, Kansas, United States
Profession
Singer, Songwriter
FAST FACTS
- Began playing guitar at age 8
- At age 11, sang a song that she’d written (“Lonely as a Child”) in a talent contest
- Was seen in concert at a bar in Long Island, CA, by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in 1986
- He was so taken with her that he signed her on the spot
- Publicly came out as a lesbian at the Triangle Ball, the first gay-and-lesbian inauguration party (for President Bill Clinton) in 1993
- Achieved a personal dream when her musical hero, Bruce Springsteen, joined her to sing “Thunder Road” on her MTV Unplugged appearance in 1995
- Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and underwent chemotherapy for two months
- While still bald from the chemo, she appeared on a Janis Joplin tribute during the 2005 Grammy Awards and performed “Piece of My Heart
- ” Appeared as a panelist in 2010’s 1 a Minute, a theatrical documentary featuring cancer-survival stories
- Shares a birthday with partner Linda Wallem
AWARDS
- 2007Critics’ Choice Awards–Best Song: Nominated
- 2006Oscar–Best Achievement in Music (Original Song): Winner
RELATIONSHIPS
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Bailey Jean Cypher — Daughter
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Johnnie Rose — Daughter
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John Etheridge — Father
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Elizabeth Etheridge — Mother
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Jennifer Etheridge — Sister
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Beckett — Son
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Miller Steven — Son
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