My Love for Melissa Etheridge
When I was a child, music was something that was listened to regularly at my house. Country, Rock, Blues.. just about everything. Records spun on the big radio in the living room. We even had a handful of 8-tracks. One of the records was Melissa Etheridge’s second album, “Brave and Crazy”. Even as a child I felt that there was something that Etheridge was saying to me in those lyrics.
Melissa's album 'Brave & Crazy' played through my house when I was a child
As times went on I had my obsessions with musical artists. I longed to be the 6th New Kid on the Block. Since I knew that I couldn’t, I just idolized Jordan Knight to the point that my peers started realizing something was a little different about me. I had my hair done the same way – even with the same off-center line that Jordan had shaved in his hair. I thought I was cool beyond cool.
Melissa & k.d. lang smooch at the end of the Lifebeat Concert
In 1992 a new artist grabbed my attention. Newly “out” lesbian singer, k.d. lang. On a fluke, I happened to be in a bookstore at Genesse Valley Mall in Flint, MI and looked up to see this boy-looking girl on the cover of The Advocate. I stood right there and read the whole article. I had seen this woman before… my mother and aunt had made MANY a joke about her being a man in a dress for years. So started my obsession with k.d. lang – same hairstyle, same clothes – but luckily she has moved onto wearing men’s clothing (I even dressed up as her for Halloween last year).
Yes I Am - helped me to come out and be strong
Soon after that a familiar name was mentioned as just “coming out” – Melissa Etheridge. Wait, the same Melissa Etheridge that sang to me as a child? It was now 1993 and her album “Yes I Am” was climbing the charts and not an hour went by that you didn’t hear “Come to My Window” on the radio. That loop, “I don’t care what they think. I don’t care what they say. What do they know about this love, anywaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy?” - is STILL my favorite line of all time! It spoke to me and let me know that I was not strange, I was not wrong. Even though I was not yet out to my family… I knew that one day I would be just like Melissa and I not care what anyone else thought.
Melissa during her Live and Alone tour
I have seen Melissa Etheridge enough times in concert, I think that I could have hands down paid for at least one of her 4 kids education at Harvard or Yale. Her music has been there to sing me to sleep during times of love, heartbreak, struggle, and success. I think of all the musicians that I listen to her – Etheridge has the more personal lyrics and soothing voices. She also puts on one HELL of a live show, sometimes going on for 3.5 hours. After a Melissa show I feel that I am just as tired from singing and dancing as she must be. Though her ticket prices have gotten high, they are still worth EVERY cent!!
Melissa and ex - Julie Cypher with Beckett (left) and Bailey
Melissa has been the face of coming out, gay relationships, gay parenting, and gay divorce. After her break-up with Julie Cypher (to whom her first two children Bailey and Beckett were born), she showed us that you can love again and get everything you want in. She met, dated, fell in love, and married Tammy Lynn Michaels (now Etheridge) and her music has not let up any in its passion. Melissa and Tammy now have twins to add to the Etheridge household. Melissa also has been the face of survival with her battle against Breast Cancer.
Tammy Lynn and Melissa at their wedding
Melissa helped me to come out and be the out, proud, political person I am today. When I start to sway from activism I can listen to “Silent Legacy”, “Scarecrow”, or “Tuesday Morning” Her music has helped me in my own break-ups, my own hardships and times of glory. Each of her albums bring something to the table: personally, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. She is a complete artist if there ever was one. Plus, let’s be honest – even at 48, she looks damn good with a guitar (even to a gay man).
Promo shot from the Greatest Hit album - I love Melissa's short cut
If you are not familiar with Melissa Etheridge, I HIGHLY recommend checking out her music. If you get the chance to see her live, do it! You can find page upon page of live stuff on Youtube. You can also learn more about her at www.melissetheridge.com or at her Facebook or MySpace pages.
Melissa and Tammy
My dream in life is to be able to sit down to lunch or dinner and just talk to her. I would love to just be in her presence to feel her spirit and energy. I also think the we would be very close friends! Maybe a dream, but I think we would have many things to talk about and very similar opinions on life, love, and the journey we’ve both walked.
Melissa at the Democratic Convention
So in the chance that you or Tammy may read this little blog, from a simple man in Richmond, VA – know that you have help this guy through the best and worst of times and I look forward to your new album (which began work this week). Also, if you may need another gay in your life…. feel free to email me! I am always looking for more lesbian friends!!!
Tammy (with my current haircut) and Melissa
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