Mellissa

Melissa Carol Brown Melissa makes her home in Helotes, Texas which is just outside of River City, San Antonio. There she lives with her husband Douglas and children Joey, Anthony, Elyse, Tyler & Madison She is a fulltime stay at home mom with one great ambition to have the singing career she has longed and dreamed for. Melissa's greatest joy is entertaining an audience with her voice. Last April she sent in a demo of Amazing Grace to Phil Lister of Vision Music Group in Nashville, TN. She made this recording using only a small tape recorder and her voice a-capella within a few months she was contacted by Angela Chaney, the A&R Director for Vision Music. They wanted her to come to Nashville to record 2 singles. The search was on for 2 singles for Melissa to sing while she was in Nashville. The first single is One-Eighty, it talks about a woman who is having a hard time dealing with getting older, it's a very lighthearted and energetic song, the kind that makes you just want to get out of your seat and start dancing to! This song was picked for Melissa by Angela Chaney, Ms. Chaney felt that Melissa's voice could carry this song. The other single that Melissa chose to record was Hold-Me, it's main focus is on a woman who is so in love with her man that the only thing she can think about in life is getting done what she needs to and coming home to him. This is a song Melissa really put her heart into, it helps her to vocalize the love and feelings she has for her husband Douglas. Melissa began her singing career even before she could talk! Her Mom and Grandma would play records on the record player and she would sit and listen and learn record by heart. She would listen to Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Pasty Cline, Dottsy, Loretta Lynn so many of the country greats! While only 2 years old after memorizing the lyrics, she would then perform for her Mom, & Grandma. Melissa has always dreamed about being a country music success. Melissa's Mom would send recordings to her brother-in-law while stationed overseas in the service. Him and his fellow servicemen looked forward to mail call so they could hear that little girls voice! At the age of 12 Melissa starting performing on stage with her Grandfather's band. The band covered Country and Dance tunes for local venues and night-clubs. Often, when Melissa would sing, the patrons would stop dancing just to listen, captivated by the young performer's voice. She also received huge ovation at local fairs and functions the band was booked at. At thirteen, Melissa's father was taken from her, a victim of a drunk-driver. For a while she withdrew from performing, coping with the loss of her beloved father, but her grandparents felt that staying on stage would be therapeutic and she returned to performing. At this point, a friend of her grandfather's gave a recording of Melissa's performance to Don Williams. The country great was impressed with the young singer's talent and he got Melissa a spot on the Grand Ole Opry's New Talent Showcase. Still dealing with the loss of her father, her mother's following nervous breakdown, and the complaints of her young boyfriend, Melissa chose to decline. Melissa selflessly didn't want to seek stardom while those around her were falling apart. Melissa married at a young age to the same man that enjoined her not to go to the Grand Ole Opry. Her music was a lifeline during those years. She had her first son at 20, but the happiness was corrupted by her husband's alcoholism and abuse. After her first child, Joey, Anthony and Elyse were brought into the world. The heartbreak and soulful melodies of country music buoyed her and she would sing for friends and family, despite the criticisms and distasteful comments heaped on her by her husband. After many years of overwhelming abuse. With injuries still fresh, Melissa took her children and ran. For their safety. She came to Texas with her children. She met a man who wanted to help her and her children out, he offered her a home to stay in. In fact it was his home, instead of staying in a woman's shelter, he offered to stay with his parents while she stayed in his home. He said he wanted Melissa's trust and friendship. He would regularly come and visit with Melissa and her children after a few months he asked Melissa's children permission to take her out on a date. They responded with a yes as did she. The relationship that they shared was one of trust, love, patience and understanding. After a few months of courtship Douglas decided that he wanted Melissa in his life forever, he then asked her children permission to marry her. They were married on Christmas Eve that year. Melissa gave birth to twins April 1st, 2003 Tyler and Madison. While her life has changed for the most positive, she has one great accomplishment yet to come, that is her singing. She has been content to perform for her children, with her husband Douglas' encouragement she has again pursued her dream of a singing career. She and him feel that lightning will strike twice with her music career and people will stand up and take notice now as they had before.

Trying to get as many gigs as I can

Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Johnny Cash, Pat Benetar