Melissa Etheridge, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA, is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for her raspy vocals and confessional lyrics. She has been a prominent figure in rock and pop music since the late 1980s. Her self-titled debut album in 1988 garnered substantial attention, but it was her fourth album, "Yes I Am" (1993), which elevated her to fame with hit singles like "Come to My Window" and "I'm the Only One." Etheridge has won two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007 for "I Need to Wake Up" from the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." Known for her advocacy for environmental and LGBTQ+ rights, Etheridge remains an influential figure in music and social issues. She continues to tour and produce new music, maintaining a devoted fan base across the world.