
Profession: Singer-Songwriter
Biography: Known for the raspy style of her singing, Etheridge's confessional rock n roll pop-influenced style has often been compared to Janis Joplin or Bruce Springsteen.
Etheridge released her debut self-titled album "Melissa Etheridge" in 1988 and went on to be nominated for a Grammy for the single "Bring Me Some Water". In 1993 she won her first Grammy for the single "Ain't It Heavy" before achieving mainstream success with her fourth album "Yes I Am".
Etheridge publicly came out as lesbian in 1993 after much speculation. In 2004 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She memorably performed on stage at the 2005 Grammy Awards broadcast bald while undergoing chemotherapy, with Joss Stone in a tribute to Janis Joplin.
In 2007, the Academy Award for Best Original Song went to her for "I Need to Wake Up" from Al Gore's environmental documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth".
Born: May 29, 1961
Birthplace: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA
Age: 62 years old
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Gemini
Married Life
- 2014-05-31 American rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge (53) weds American TV actress Linda Wallem (53) at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California
Historical Events
- 1993-09-21 Melissa Etheridge releases her breakthrough second album "Yes I Am", featuring the single "I'm the Only One"
- 2007-07-07 Worldwide charity concert event "Live Earth" takes place at 12 venues on seven continents; performers include: Genesis, Keith Urban; Foo Fighters; John Legend; Melissa Etheridge; Dave Matthews Band; The Police; Roger Waters; Madonna; Alicia Keys; Garth Brooks; Crowded House; Jack Johnson; Shakira; Soweto Gospel Choir; Angélique Kidjo; UB40; Jack Johnson; Linkin Park; Rihanna; Pharrel Williams; Yusef Islam; Sarah Brightman; and Nunatak