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Written by Harry Cherkinian, Contributing writer
Jul 29, 2010
Melissa Etheridge performs at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Riverside Theater. Call 414-286-3663 or go to www.pabsttheater.org.
There are a lot of numbers involved in Melissa Etheridge’s career: one Academy Award; one Juno Award (Canada); one ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award; two Grammy Awards; 15 Grammy nominations; 11 studio albums; 14 million recordings sold in the United States and over 25 million worldwide.
There are also some vital numbers in her personal life: one extended bout with breast cancer; two former spouses; and four children (two boys and two girls). Add in, of course, the millions of LGBT people worldwide who consider Etheridge an iconic LGBT-rights activist.
But on the afternoon when WiG spoke with her, eight was probably the number uppermost on Etheridge’s mind. That’s how many interviews she’d already conducted that day in advance of her concert tour to support “Fearless Love,” her latest release. The tour comes to The Riverside in Milwaukee on Aug. 11.
Despite all this and the ongoing stress of her bitter split with wife Tammy Lynn Michaels, Etheridge’s voice was brimming with energy and enthusiasm. “I’m healthier than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” she said.
At 49, Melissa Lou Etheridge still puts her heart fearlessly into everything she does, whether it’s the confessional lyrics of her songs or her political activism. When California banned same-sex marriage in November 2008 with the passage of Proposition 8, Etheridge refused to pay taxes as an act of civil disobedience. Rather than remain in seclusion during chemotherapy, she performed bald-pated at the 2005 Grammy Awards, paying tribute to the late Janis Joplin.
Etheridge’s brand of fearlessness is particularly impressive in today’s volatile social climate, where right-wingers are inclined to hold a bonfire and burn the recordings of performers who speak out against the status quo. (Remember the Dixie Chicks and a certain former president of the United States?)
“Fearless is a path, it’s not a destination,” Etheridge said. “If you’re out, you’re fearless. If you don’t have fear, then you’re filled up with love. Love can change the world. And that’s what we need to do. We’re all going to be OK.”
Etheridge came out in January 1993 at the Triangle Ball, an LGBT celebration of President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. Since then, she’s been in two domestic partnerships – and messy breakups. Court proceedings between Etheridge and her ex grabbed headlines on July 16 when she accused Michaels of using their kids as “pawns” in their battle over spousal support.
Still, Etheridge remains a firm believer in legalizing same-sex marriage. The absence of marriage laws for same-sex couples has complicated her relationships, Etheridge said.
“You need gay marriage to have gay divorce,” she explained. “You want things in place, and we need to understand that it’s not about dressing up and ceremonies. It’s a legal process.”
Being a well-known performer complicates relationships both for straight and gay couples, according to Etheridge. “We still have the same hardships, with one being away (touring) and one at home with the kids,” she said.
“I love performing and I love family. It’s finding a balance.”
Part of the balancing act during her upcoming tour is having her two older children – Bailey Jean, 13, and Beckett, 11 – accompany her.
Kansas to Broadway
A native of Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge first picked up a guitar at age 8. By the time she was a teenager, she was playing in all-male country music groups. Her determination to perform her own songs kept her going, despite her first attempt – and rejection – in getting signed to a record label. Ironically the well-known lesbian record label Olivia Records passed on her (she still has the rejection letter).
Although Etheridge recorded her debut in 1988, it was “Brave and Crazy,” her second release, that brought her first hit – “Bring Me Some Water” – and a Grammy nomination. By that time, Etheridge already was attracting the attention of other artists with her raspy vocals and mix of rock, folk and pop styling. (U2’s lead singer Bono can be heard playing harmonica on “Brave and Crazy”).
In Milwaukee, Etheridge will perform her hits as well her new material, which has a much rockier feel to it – a return to who she is musically as well as personally.
“It’s a culmination of learning from all the other tours before,” she said. “I looked around and saw how many people want to come see me. I thought, ‘Maybe I can just enjoy myself (this time around).’”
“The difference with this tour is confidence,” she added. “The new stuff is exciting, and I enjoy every song I play. And shoot! I’m really starting to recognize my audiences.”
Etheridge said she’s aiming for an entirely new type of audience in 2011, when she’ll begin work on a rock ‘n’ roll musical, penning both the music and lyrics. Her collaborator is longtime friend and producer Linda Wallem (producer and writer of Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie).
“I’m gay! I like show tunes!” Etheridge exclaimed, a smile in her voice. “Seeing that rock ‘n’ roll can be embraced, it’ll be a totally new story, a rock opera. I hope they love it.”
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