Melissa Etheridge

Began playing guitar at age 8. At age 11, sang a song that she'd written ("Lonely as a Child") in a talent contest. Was seen in concert at a bar in Long Island, CA, by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in 1986. He was so taken with her that he signed her on the spot. Publicly came out as a lesbian at the Triangle Ball, the first gay-and-lesbian inauguration party (for President Bill Clinton) in 1993.   Achieved a personal dream when her musical hero, Bruce Springsteen, joined her to sing… Show more "Thunder Road" on her MTV Unplugged appearance in 1995. Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and underwent chemotherapy for two months. While still bald from the chemo, she appeared on a Janis Joplin tribute during the 2005 Grammy Awards and performed "Piece of My Heart." Appeared as a panelist in 2010's  1 a Minute, a theatrical documentary featuring cancer-survival stories. Shares a birthday with partner Linda Wallem. ~ Rovi

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