 Singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester was born on Feb. 15, 1951 in the Bronx, N.Y. Her father was a bassoonist in the New York Metropolitan Opera and music was an integral part of Melissa's upbringing. She attended the High School of the Performing Arts and began singing commercial jingles in her teens. Manchester eventually landed a staff writing job at Chapell Music. During this time, she began performing at clubs in Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side, where her voice and mastery of the piano attracted the attention of Bette Midler, who hired Manchester as a backup singer for her cabaret act in 1971. Manchester's career developed quickly within the next two years. After starring as one of the original "Harlettes" for Midler's show, she released her debut album, Home to Myself in 1973. In 1975, Manchester scored her first Top 10 hit, "Midnight Blue," from her third album, Melissa. Over the next four years, Manchester performed with Peabo Bryson, co-wrote "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Kenny Loggins, and returned to The Top 10 with her 1979 hit "Don't Cry out Loud." In 1980, Manchester made history by becoming the first performer to have two movie themes, "Ice Castles" and "The Promise," nominated for an Academy Award. Entering the chart at No. 5, 1982's "You Should Hear How She Talks About You," was her biggest hit and earned her a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance. Manchester dabbled in acting, starring opposite Midler in For the Boys on the big screen and playing Maddy in the TV series "Blossom." Music, however, continued to dominate Manchester's career throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She wrote and recorded the music for the off-Broadway musical, "I Sent a Letter to My Love," which received positive reviews. Manchester released two albums in 1997: her first holiday album, Colors of Christmas, and her greatest hits compilation, The Essence of Melissa Manchester. In 1998, Manchester was invited to perform for President Clinton.
|
