Melissa Etheridge is an iconic singer-songwriter whose career has spanned decades. She is known for her iconic songs such as “Come to My Window, ” “I’m the Only One, ” and “I Want to Come Over. ” She has released multiple Grammy Award-winning albums, sold out tours and performed at world-famous music festivals.
In this article, Fidlar will take a look at Melissa Etheridge net worth, career highlights and what she’s up to now.
What is Melissa Etheridge’s Net Worth and Salary 2023?
Award-winning American rock star Melissa Etheridge is a powerhouse of talent, with a net worth of $25 million and a career that skyrocketed with her self-titled 1988 debut album.
Not only is she renowned for her heartfelt music and captivating lyrics, but she’s also a respected LGBT activist.
With hit singles such as “Bring Me Some Water,” “Ain’t It Heavy,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Come to My Window” under her belt, Etheridge has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and even won an Academy Award for her song “I Need to Wake Up,” from the 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Melissa Etheridge Overview: Why is Melissa Etheridge Famous?
Early Life and Education
At the tender age of 8, Melissa Etheridge began to follow her passion for music by taking guitar lessons. Born on May 29, 1961 in Leavenworth, Kansas, to computer consultant Elizabeth and high school teacher John, Etheridge’s teenage years were spent playing in local country music groups.
Following her education at Leavenworth High School, Melissa Etheridge headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she filled her time with gigs on the club circuit.
Yet after just three semesters, the determined musician opted to pursue her career in music in Los Angeles, forsaking Berklee to pursue her dreams.
Career Beginnings
Whilst playing at Vermie’s bar in Pasadena, California, Etheridge got her big break after being noticed by professional soccer player Karla Leopold. Subsequently, she was introduced to Karla’s husband, Bill, who happened to be a manager in the music business.
The performances Etheridge gave in lesbian bars in LA caught the attention of Island Records head Chris Blackwell, and soon enough, she was signed to a publishing deal to write songs for movies, such as the acclaimed drama, “Weeds.”
Breakthrough Albums
In 1988, Melissa Etheridge released her debut, self-titled album – and it was an instant success! The underground hit peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, and the single “Bring Me Some Water” even earned her a Grammy nomination.
A year later, Melissa released her second album, “Brave and Crazy”, and it peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, garnering her a Grammy nomination.
In 1992, Melissa Etheridge’s third album, “Never Enough,” hit the shelves and its single, “Ain’t It Heavy,” brought her her very first Grammy Award.
The release of her mainstream breakthrough album “Yes I Am” in 1993, just 8 months after coming out as a lesbian, was Etheridge’s most successful to date.
Spending 138 weeks on the Billboard 200 and peaking at number 15, the album was a smash hit and generated the hit singles “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “If I Wanted To,” for which Etheridge won her second Grammy Award.
Further Albums
Riding high on the waves of her triumphant album “Yes I Am,” Etheridge delivered another hit – “Your Little Secret” – that soared to number six on the Billboard 200, becoming the most successful album of her career.
Featuring the smashes “I Want to Come Over” and “Nowhere to Go” that both made it onto the top 40, this was a surefire win!
After a four-year break from releasing music, Melissa Etheridge re-emerged in 1999 with the hit record “Breakdown”. It was a major success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and earning her four Grammy nominations.
Her later works include the acclaimed “Skin”, “Lucky”, “The Awakening”, and the powerful “Fearless Love”.
Etheridge blessed us with the compilation album “Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled” and the festive album “A New Thought for Christmas.” More recently, she gave us “4th Street Feeling,” “This is M.E.,” “The Medicine Show,” and “One Way Out.”
“I Need to Wake Up”
In 2006, Melissa Etheridge won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for her inspiring track, “I Need to Wake Up”, featured in the acclaimed climate change documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” starring Al Gore.
Activism
Over the course of her illustrious career, Melissa Etheridge has been widely acclaimed for her passionate activism. She has devoted herself to numerous causes, particularly to LGBT causes, and was an ardent supporter of LA Shanti and their fight against HIV/AIDS.
In recognition of her tireless LGBT advocacy, Etheridge was presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award by GLAAD, while her involvement in the AIDS benefit album “Silencio=Muerte: Red Hot + Latin” further testifies to her commitment to social justice.
Etheridge is an active supporter of many causes beyond the LGBT community; in 2005, she lent a helping hand and participated in the ReAct Now: Music & Relief telethon to support victims of Hurricane Katrina. Furthermore, she is a passionate advocate for environmental awareness.
Personal Life and Health
At the Triangle Ball celebration of Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993, Melissa Etheridge courageously announced her lesbian identity to the public, commencing her first longterm romantic relationship with filmmaker Julie Cypher who had just recently separated from actor Lou Diamond Phillips.
From 1990 to 2000, Melissa and Julie shared a decade of love. The couple was blessed with the joys of parenthood when Cypher gave birth to daughter Bailey and son Beckett through artificial insemination, famously provided by the legendary David Crosby.
Despite the blissful moments, their family was devastated by the loss of their son Beckett, who sadly passed away at 21 due to an opioid addiction.
In 2002, Melissa Etheridge began a romantic relationship with actress Tammy Lynn Michaels, and two years later, in 2003, they tied the knot.
The couple then welcomed fraternal twins named Johnnie and Miller into the world with the help of an anonymous sperm donor. Sadly, after nine years together, Etheridge and Michaels divorced in 2012.
Fast forward to 2014 and Etheridge married Linda Wallem, another actress and writer who just happened to share the same birthdate.
In 2004, Melissa Etheridge faced the tough news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. But her courage and determination won the day, as in 2005 she made a triumphant return to the stage at the Grammy Awards to perform a powerful cover of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart”.
Later that year, she also had the opportunity to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month on NBC’s Dateline.
Real Estate
In 2008, Melissa splashed out $5 million on a sprawling 7,000-square-foot property nestled in the affluent suburb of Hidden Hills, California, a mere stone’s throw from Los Angeles. Today, the home has likely surged in value to anywhere between $7-9 million.
FAQs about Melissa Etheridge
How Much does Melissa Etheridge Make For a Concert?
For booking Melissa Etheridge, fees typically start at an estimated $150,000 – $299,000. However, speaking fees may vary depending on her popularity, current career stage, and overall demand. Therefore, her price could be subject to fluctuations.
Who is the Father of Melissa Etheridge’s Baby?
After the untimely passing of Melissa Etheridge and Julie Cypher’s 21-year-old son, Beckett, David Crosby — the biological father of the young man, who served as a sperm donor — has spoken out.
What is Melissa Etheridge Doing Now?
Melissa Etheridge is currently spreading her melodic magic across one nation, with three must-see concerts lined up!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Melissa Etheridge is one of the most iconic and successful singer-songwriters of all time. With her unique blend of rock, blues, and folk music, she has created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Melissa Etheridge’s incredible musical catalogue and keep an eye out for what she has in store for the future!
