Melissa Etheridge: Going Strong for Over 20 Years

From an early age, Melissa knew she was meant for music, and it has turned out to be an incredible path for her. Following spectacular success in the '90s, she continued to create major hits and became a strong force in the music industry. She has released 10 albums, won two Grammys and was nominated for an additional 13, and even has an Academy Award.

At eight years old, Melissa first began learning the guitar, and soon after began writing her own music. She moved to Los Angeles and performed at clubs and bars all over the city. She soon found herself with a recurring gig at a major hotel in Long Beach, which led the major record labels to compete for her. She chose to go with Island Records, which released her self-titled debut album in 1988. It garnered raves from critics and was commercially successful.

Two more albums followed in 1989 and 1992 to similar reception, but it was her fourth album that launched her career to another level. Melissa's 1993 album "Yes I Am" found massive success; it contained two major singles; "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window." It sold over six million copies in one year and earned Melissa a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocalist.

In addition to being an amazing musician, Melissa has also been a powerful social force. Early in her career, she openly acknowledged that she was gay, and worked with various organizations for positive change. In 2005, she announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and became a figure of strength for many suffering from the same disease.

Now she's back with a brand new album, "Fearless Love." She performed the title single here on the show -- you can watch the video right here.