She also was noted for her early openness about her sexual orientation. Etheridge began playing the guitar at age 8 and writing songs by age She honed her skills playing in local bands throughout her teens emulating influences such as Bruce Springsteen and Pete Townshend of the Who and briefly attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston before returning to Kansas. On her 21st birthday, Etheridge left home for Los Angeles , where she played in clubs and bars until , when Chris Blackwell , founder of Island Records, signed her to a recording contract. In early , at a gay-and-lesbian celebration of the inauguration of Pres.
Rock singer Melissa Etheridge reveals her father 'didn't understand' when she came out as lesbian
Melissa Etheridge | Biography, Songs, & Facts | Britannica
Some of her early fans from Vermie's gave her demo tape to Bill Leopold, a friend's husband who worked in the music business. Etheridge auditioned for Leopold, who was so impressed that he offered to represent her on the spot. As Etheridge continued performing in lesbian bars in Los Angeles, Leopold arranged for music executives to come see her play. In , Etheridge sent her demo to Olivia Records, a lesbian record label, but was ultimately rejected. She saved the rejection letter, signed by "the women of Olivia," which was later featured in Intimate Portrait , the Lifetime Television documentary of her life. In , Etheridge was signed by Island Records, but her first album was rejected by the label as being too polished and glossy. Given four days in the studio to re-record, she cut ten tracks which was released as her self-titled debut album.
Melissa Etheridge Came out as Lesbian 27 Years Ago — a Look Back at Her Decision and Activism
By Ramin Setoodeh. To read more, click here. Etheridge had considered acting, and she came in to talk about the comedic role. I mean, dating your best friend is crazy. Etheridge blushes.
And singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has told Sydney Morning Herald's Sunday Life that she knew she wasn't interested in the opposite sex from a young age. He was like, "I don't understand it, but as long as you're happy. She said her father was her biggest supporter until he died age 60 from cancer in the early 90s. Throwback: Melissa said she realised she preferred females after finding child actor Jodie Foster attractive in her teens Pictured:Jodie Foster in s. He was like, "I don't understand it, but as long as you're happy"' Melissa said her late father John was her biggest supporter until he died age 60 from cancer in the early 90s Pictured: Melissa in