Melissa Lou Etheridge was born on the 29th May 1961, in Leavenworth, Kansas USA, and is a rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, probably most famous for her hit singles “Bring Me Some Water”, “Ain’t It Heavy” and “Come to My Window” which have brought her two Grammy Awards.
Have you ever wondered how much wealth this rock star has accumulated so far? How rich Melissa Etheridge is? According to sources, it is estimated that the total amount of Melissa Etheridge’s net worth, as of late 2016, is $25 million, acquired through her music career which has been active since 1985.
Melissa Etheridge Net Worth 25 million
Melissa Etheridge is the second of two daughters to Elizabeth and John Etheridge, a computer consultant and a high school teacher. After attending David Brewer School, she enrolled at Leavenworth High School from which she matriculated in 1979. During her high school days, Melissa was a member of school’s first “Power and Life” musical ensemble; her interest in music, dating from her childhood age when she started playing guitar, led Melissa to perform with various country music bands during her teenage years. In order to pursue her passion, Melissa Etheridge moved to Boston where she enrolled at Berklee College of Music. Although she left college after three semesters, it didn’t stop her from making a successful career in music.
After leaving Berklee, Melissa moved to Los Angeles, California where she started circuiting at lesbian clubs and bars. During one of these gigs, Melissa “caught the ear and the eye” of music manager Bill Leopold, and Bill’s connections and Melissa’s talents led her to her first publishing deal with Island Records – writing the songs for 1987 John D. Hancock’s drama “Weeds”. Her net worth was established.
In 1988, Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled debut album hit the charts, becoming an instant hit while single “Bring Me Some Water” was honored with a Grammy Award nomination. This was followed by her second studio album “Brave and Crazy”, released in 1989, which rose to 22nd on the Billboard charts and was also nominated for a Grammy.
Melissa’s third album was released in 1992, named “Never Enough”, featuring the hit single “Ain’t It Heavy” which brought Melissa her first Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance. It is certain that all these achievements have helped Melissa Etheridge to successfully build her music career as well as to provide the basis for her net worth.
The real breakthrough in Melissa’s music career occurred just a year later in 1993, when she released “Yes I Am”; the album was a huge commercial hit with 138 weeks spent on the Billboard 200, and was rated platinum. The single “Come to My Window” brought Melissa her second Grammy Award. The rapid rise of Melissa’s popularity resulted in massive sales of her previous albums, dramatically increasing her overall net worth.
The next several years were quite dynamic and turbulent for Melissa. She released several studio albums, of which most notable certainly are “Skin”(2001) and “Lucky”(2004), both rewarded with Grammy nominations. Although the professional aspects were quite good, her health was endangered, as in 2004 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
However, she did not give up, and at the 2005 Grammy Awards she returned at the stage, emboldened from chemotherapy, and performed Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart”. Later that year, her first compilation album hit the charts, named “Greatest Hits: The Road Less Travelled”, and rated gold soon after release. Melissa’s “I Need to Wake Up”, a song from the soundtrack of Davis Guggenheim’s 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”, was rewarded with an Academy Awards Oscar for best original song. Doubtlessly, all these accomplishments have massively increased Melissa Etheridge’s net worth in total.
Melissa Etheridge’s most recent album – “Memphis Rock And Soul” – hit the charts on 7th October 2016.
When it comes to her personal life, Melissa Etheridge was in a long-time relationship with Julie Cypher with whom she has two children, fathered by David Crosby as a sperm donor. However, the partnership ended in 2001. In 2002 Melissa Etheridge began a romance with actress Tammy Lynn. Prior to separating in 2010, Tammy bore twins, fathered by a still anonymous sperm donor. In 2013, Melissa began dating Linda Wallen and in 2014 they married.
Academy Award for Best Original Song, Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, GLAAD Media Stephen F. Kolzak Award, GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist, World Soundtrack Award for Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film, Juno Award for International Entertainer of the Y...
Nominations
Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Song, Echo Award for Best International Rock/Pop Female Artist, Grammy Award for Best...
Movies
Melissa Etheridge: Live ... and Alone, Teresa's Tattoo, After Stonewall, Melissa Etheridge: The Awakening: Live, Arduous Moon, Melissa Etheridge: Lucky Live, Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, Saint Paul, MN, United States, Madison, WI, United States
TV Shows
Beyond Chance, Beyond Chance (2006), Winnipeg, MB, Canada, Saint Paul, MN, United States, Madison, WI, United States
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Trademark
1
Raspy, smoky vocals
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Quote
1
[her advice to young musicians] You have to do it because you love it, and then love it enough to be smart about what you do. See where it takes you, but know there is no destination. There is no place where you say, "I did it". So even if you don't think you are succeeding, you are doing exactly as you are supposed to do, and learning what you are supposed to learn, because it is all about the journey.
2
It's super important to be in the union because we are in a business where people would do what we do for free. We have rights and benefits because of the union. We went from wandering minstrels to a legitimate business in about a hundred years.
3
[observation, 2014] I developed a rhythmic way of playing that was very percussive and striving, and I really took a lot from Richie Havens, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, and all those sorts of guitar players. It wasn't until recently, the last ten years, that I started branching out and playing more lead.
4
I'm proud that I can stand up and say that every choice I have made I have made with the best intentions and that I've done my best. And that's just about the most you can say as you go along in life. By God, just do your best.
5
I love playing with a symphony and along the line of doing new challenging things. It's fun to have three or four people make music together, but when you get seventy-five people concentrating on one piece of music, that's a whole lot of energy streaming into the musical blanket we are weaving. It's gorgeous, it's amazing. With my band, if I make a mistake, I can just correct it in the next measure, but when you are playing with a symphony and you make a mistake, seventy-five of you are going down.
6
[on life after chemotherapy] It's a daily chore, but I've learned how to do it. It gets easier every day. You need to believe that fear is a perception, is a choice, that anything you fear will draw you to it and you will have to go through that eye of a needle some day. Might as well do it now because it will only get bigger and harder if you don't. Once you do, you get on the other side and you're like "Well, that wasn't so hard. That didn't hurt that bad.".
7
[on 2/25/07, speaking to the media at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) on her win for Best Song, "I Need to Wake Up" for the documentary An Inconvenient Truth (2006)] This is the only naked man that will ever be in my bedroom.
8
[2000, on right-wing radio host Laura Schlessinger's views on homosexuality] She has her own opinion. If people want to listen to it, that's fine... I don't believe in shutting anybody up.
9
Be strong, speak true and spread the peace.
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Fact
1
Grew up in southern Arkansas.
2
Became interested in music when she picked up her first guitar at age 8.
3
Attended and graduated from Leavenworth High School in Leavenworth, Kansas.
4
Received an honorary degree (Doctor of Music) from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts on May 13, 2006.
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 27, 2011.
7
Formally ended her nearly nine-year relationship with Tammy Lynn Michaels. She filed for "Dissolution of Domestic Partnership" at LA County Superior Court and cited irreconcilable differences as the cause of their separation. She also asked that the court offer Michaels no financial support. [July 2010]
8
Thanked by Paula Cole in the liner notes of her album "This Fire" (1996).
9
Won two Grammy Awards for "Best Female Rock Performance" in 1992 and 1994.
10
Although being famous for her smoky voice, she has never smoked and does not like whiskey.
11
Her father, John Etheridge, a high school teacher, died from cancer in 1992.
12
Gay rights and environmental activist.
13
Her former partner Tammy Lynn Michaels gave birth to a girl, Johnnie Rose, and a boy, Miller Steven, on October 17, 2006.
14
In 2006, she announced that her then long-time partner Tammy Lynn Michaels was pregnant and expecting twins.
15
In late 2005, she announced that she is cancer-free and that she and then partner Tammy Lynn Michaels were planning to have a child.
16
Made headlines when she gave a noteworthy performance at the 2005 Grammy Awards for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer; showing up bald from her chemotherapy treatments.
17
Was diagnosed with breast cancer. [October 2004]
18
She and her former girlfriend Tammy Lynn Michaels considered themselves as married since they exchanged vows in a secret ceremony in September 2003. Their marriage was not legally confirmed, because gay weddings are not legally binding in their then home state of California.
Ranked #49 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll
22
A close friend of Brad Pitt, two of his former girlfriends and his ex-wife appeared in her music videos: Juliette Lewis in "Come to My Window", Gwyneth Paltrow in "I Want to Come Over", and Jennifer Aniston in "I Want to Be in Love".
23
On September 19, 2000, she announced she that is separating from long-time partner Julie Cypher.
24
Publicly revealed that David Crosby is the biological father of her two children with partner Julie Cypher, who gave birth to their children conceived through artificial insemination. [January 2000]
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2014 writer - 1 episode, 2014
After Lately
TV Series lyrics - 1 episode, 2013 music - 1 episode, 2013 performer - 1 episode, 2013
Parenthood
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2012 writer - 1 episode, 2012
Chelsea Lately
2012
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Glee
2011
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Parks and Recreation
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2011 writer - 1 episode, 2011
So You Think You Can Dance
2005-2010
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
American Idol
2002-2010
TV Series writer - 6 episodes
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2010 writer - 1 episode, 2010
Cold Case
2007
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Idool 2007
2007
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The 79th Annual Academy Awards
2007
TV Special performer: "I Need to Wake Up" / writer: "I Need to Wake Up"
Deutschland sucht den Superstar
2003-2007
TV Series writer - 3 episodes
Brother Bear 2
2006
Video performer: "Welcome To This Day", "Feels Like Home", "It Will Be Me", "Welcome To This Day Reprise" / writer: "Welcome To This Day", "It Will Be Me", "Welcome To This Day Reprise"
CMT Greatest Moments: Dolly Parton
2006
TV Movie documentary performer: "Jolene"
Canadian Idol
2006
TV Series writer - 1 episode
An Inconvenient Truth
2006
Documentary music: "I Need to Wake Up" / performer: "I Need to Wake Up" / producer: "I Need to Wake Up"
Idols!
2004-2005
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
The 47th Annual Grammy Awards
2005
TV Special performer: "Piece of My Heart"
Hinter Gittern - Der Frauenknast
TV Series performer - 2 episodes, 2002 - 2004 writer - 1 episode, 2004
CMT Crossroads
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2003 writer - 1 episode, 2003
The Oprah Winfrey Show
2003
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Idool 2003
2003
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Last Party 2000
2001
Documentary performer: "Truth of the Heart" - uncredited / writer: "Truth of the Heart" - uncredited
Night Visions
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2001 writer - 1 episode, 2001
Charmed
1999
TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Devil's Own
1997
performer: "This War Is Over" / writer: "This War Is Over"
Mystery Science Theater 3000
1996
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Money Train
1995
performer: "Dance Without Sleeping" / writer: "Dance Without Sleeping"
Boys on the Side
1995
performer: "I Take You With Me" / writer: "I Take You With Me"
Teresa's Tattoo
1994
performer: "2001", "I Really Must Be Going", "All American Girl", "Do It For The Rush" / writer: "2001", "I Really Must Be Going", "All American Girl", "Do It For The Rush", "Save Myself"
Where the Day Takes You
1991
performer: "PRECIOUS PAIN", "OCCASIONALLY", "ROYAL STATION 4/16", "YOU CAN SLEEP WHILE I DRIVE", "TESTIFY" / producer: "PRECIOUS PAIN", "OCCASIONALLY", "ROYAL STATION 4/16", "YOU CAN SLEEP WHILE I DRIVE", "TESTIFY" / writer: "PRECIOUS PAIN", "OCCASIONALLY", "ROYAL STATION 4/16", "YOU CAN SLEEP WHILE I DRIVE", "TESTIFY"
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
1990
performer: "Don't Look At Me", "In Roxy's Eyes I Will Never Be The Same" / writer: "Don't Look At Me", "In Roxy's Eyes I Will Never Be The Same"
Scenes from the Goldmine
1987
writer: "Lonely Dancer"
Actress
Title
Year
Status
Character
David v. Goliath: Kucinich Campaign Update
2008
Video short
King of the Hill
2004
TV Series
Topaz / Singing Hippie
Frasier
2001
TV Series
Cleo
The Sissy Duckling
1999
TV Movie
Elmer's mama (voice)
Jackie's Back!
1999
TV Movie
Melissa Etheridge
Saturday Night Special
1996
TV Series
Teresa's Tattoo
1994
Hooker
Arduous Moon
1990
Short
Scenes from the Goldmine
1987
Shop Clerk
Composer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Unstoppable
2015
Documentary music by
It Was a Wonderful Life
1993
Documentary
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
1990
Weeds
1987
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
It Was a Wonderful Life
1993
Documentary musician: piano and guitar
Miscellaneous
Title
Year
Status
Character
Act Up!
2012
Documentary herself
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
Janis: Little Girl Blue
2015
Documentary special thanks
Renegade Live @ the House of Blues
2009
Video documentary special thanks
Last Party 2000
2001
Documentary special thanks
But I'm a Cheerleader
1999
thanks: Island/Polygram Records & WF Leopold Management
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Big Interview with Dan Rather
2013
TV Series
Herself
The 38th Annual Gracie Awards
2013
TV Special
Herself
After Lately
2013
TV Series
Herself
The Wendy Williams Show
2012
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Chelsea Lately
2012
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
2012
TV Series
Herself - Musical Guest
Big Morning Buzz Live
2012
TV Series
Herself - Musical Guest / Herself
Piers Morgan Tonight
2012
TV Series
Herself
Watch What Happens: Live
2012
TV Series
Herself - Guest
CBS This Morning
2012
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The Love We Make
2011
TV Movie documentary
Herself
The Oprah Winfrey Show
2003-2011
TV Series
Herself
31st Annual Genie Awards
2011
TV Special
Herself - Musical Guest
Cupcake Wars
2010
TV Series
Herself
Marijuana: A Chronic History
2010
TV Movie
Herself
1 a Minute
2010
Documentary
Singer Song Writer / Breast Cancer Survivor
America: The Story of Us
2010
TV Series documentary
Herself
Dancing with the Stars
2010
TV Series
Herself - Performer
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992-2010
TV Series
Herself / Herself - Musical Guest
Dow Live Earth Run for Water
2010
TV Special
Herself
Real World
2010
TV Series
Herself
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts
2009
TV Special
Herself
2009 American Music Awards
2009
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
Melissa Etheridge: A New Thought for Christmas
2009
Video
Herself
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live: Message of Love
2009
Video
Herself
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live: Sweet Emotion
2009
Video
Herself
Breast Cancer: The Path of Wellness & Healing
2009
Documentary
Herself
VH1 Divas Live 2009
2009
TV Movie
Herself
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
2009
TV Series
Herself
The 10th Annual 'A Home for the Holidays' with Faith Hill