Melissa Etheridge is an American rock singer-songwriter, guitarist and activist from Leavenworth, United States. Born in 1961, she works across folk rock, heartland rock, pop rock, rock and roots rock, and is also associated with folk and female vocalist traditions.

Career

Her self-titled debut album appears in 1988 and becomes an underground hit. It reaches number 22 on the Billboard 200, and its lead single, Bring Me Some Water, brings her first Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

In 1993 she wins her first Grammy award for Ain't It Heavy, a single from her third album, Never Enough. Later that year she releases Yes I Am, the album that becomes her breakthrough. It includes the rock hits I'm the Only One, which reaches number 8, and Come to My Window, which reaches number 25 and earns her a second Grammy award. Yes I Am reaches number 15 on the Billboard 200, stays on the chart for 138 weeks, and is certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, her largest certification.

In October 2004 she is diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards she returns to the stage and performs a tribute to Janis Joplin with Piece of My Heart. The performance draws wide praise, and India.Arie writes I Am Not My Hair about Etheridge. Later in 2005 she releases her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled, which reaches number 14 on the Billboard 200 and is certified gold immediately. Her later release is 4th Street Feeling.

Style and activism

Etheridge is known for confessional lyrics, pop-based folk rock and raspy, smoky vocals. She publicly comes out in January 1993 and becomes known as an outspoken gay and lesbian activist. She is also associated with GAP Holiday 2003 and R.A.D.D. (Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving).