cover of episode Melissa Etheridge: I'm Not Broken

Melissa Etheridge: I'm Not Broken

2024/9/9
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Melissa Etheridge's journey began in small-town Kansas, where her love for music blossomed amidst a challenging childhood. She honed her skills playing in bands from a young age, eventually attending Berklee College of Music. Her raw talent and perseverance led her to Los Angeles, where she defied expectations, building a loyal following in the lesbian bar scene before signing with Island Records.
  • Melissa's father was a constant supportive figure in her early music career.
  • Early exposure to diverse musical genres shaped her unique sound.
  • She played in bars and clubs from age 12, accompanied by her father.
  • Despite early record label rejections, she persevered, eventually getting signed by Island Records after Chris Blackwell saw her perform.
  • Her first three albums earned Grammy nominations, and she won a Grammy in 1989 after a powerful performance.

Shownotes Transcript

Bunnie gets real with rock legend Melissa Etheridge, diving deep into her incredible life story. Melissa opens up about her Midwest roots, how she went from 'black sheep to GOAT,' and attending Berklee before signing her first record deal with Island Records. She shares her journey of coming out to the world, never pretending to be anyone she wasn’t, and breaking generational curses along the way. Melissa also talks about the heartache of losing her son Beckett to opioid addiction, her fight as a breast cancer survivor—now 20 years strong—and the love story of meeting her wife, Linda. Plus, Melissa gives an inside look at her powerful new docuseries on Paramount, I'm Not Broken, where she brings music and inspiration to the women of Topeka Correctional Facility.

Melissa Etheridge: Website) | I'm Not Broken )

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