Musician and activist Melissa Etheridge was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, and began playing piano and guitar as a teenager. After relocating to Los Angeles, it wasn't long before her impressive talents were discovered when Island Records founder Chris Blackwell caught a performance and signed Etheridge to the label in 1986. Etheridge will release her latest album, entitled "Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled," with four original songs on October 4, 2005. She released her eighth studio album, "Lucky," on February 10, 2004, and the single "Breathe" reached the top of the charts. In November 2002, Etheridge released a two-disc concert film DVD of her personal and successful 2001 Live...and Alone tour. The DVD also featured two new recordings, "Alive," which is heard during the end credits of the film version, and "The Weakness in Me," an outstanding version of the Joan Armatrading song that is produced and arranged by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Elton John). Etheridge released her self-titled debut album in 1988, which featured the hits "Like the Way I Do" and "Bring Me Some Water." Her 1992 album "Never Enough," won Etheridge a Grammy® Award for the track "Ain't It Heavy." The next year, Etheridge released "Yes I Am," featuring "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window," which earned her a second Grammy®. "Your Little Secret" and "Breakdown" followed in 1995 and 1999, respectively.
In 2001, Etheridge released her most recent album, "Skin," as well as the New York Times best-selling autobiography "The Truth Is...My Life and Times," which is now available in paperback.
The formidable star uses her fame by tirelessly supporting numerous causes. She has worked with The Dr. Susan Love Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, LA Shanti, several children and breast cancer organizations, and she is an outspoken advocate for various gay and lesbian organizations. Along with her two Grammy® Awards, Etheridge was honored with the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award in 1996.
