Melissa Etheridge Gets into the Holiday Spirit

On Monday, December 5, Academy- and Grammy Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse stage for a night of her fan favorites and holiday classics.

Etheridge, who just released the new album "Memphis Rock and Soul," is best known for her massive hits "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window," a searing song of longing that brought her second Best Female Rock Grammy. Her astounding success led Etheridge to receive the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996, and the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007.

As Etheridge toured her new album, she took a few minutes to chat with EDGE about her fans, her music, and how she celebrates the holidays.

Her Favorite Song?

EDGE: You won a Grammy for "Come to My Window" and an Oscar for best original song in 2007; what's your favorite of your songs?

Etheridge: Gosh, I always seem to love the stuff I've been doing lately because they're the newest ones, but when I really look at the whole catalog of my work, some songs I like performing live are "Bring Me Some Water" and "Like the Way I Do." I always have to perform it last because there's nothing I can do to top it. It never lets me down.

EDGE: In 2004, you were diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemo to recover. Many said that your performance of "Piece of my Heart" was an inspiration to them. Do people still share with you their stories about dealing with cancer?

Etheridge: It's been almost 12 years now, but a week doesn't go by that someone doesn't mention it. Unfortunately, it speaks to how many of us are touched by cancer; more of us than not.

EDGE: Your latest studio album "Memphis Blues and Soul" just dropped. What's your favorite song on that lineup?

Etheridge: My latest album has been No. 1 on the Blues Album Chart for the past six weeks. It's my first album of covers, and even though I reworked a couple of them, they're a tribute and a reimagining of the magic and the artists that have meant so much to me. I mean, Otis Redding inspired every rock 'n roll singer I know! I had a lot of fun doing those songs. It was a departure, but it's gotten great reviews and the fans seem to approve. When you get both of those, that's a good thing.

Connecting with Her Fans

EDGE: In 2014, you reached out to your fans with "This is M.E." That album cover was a collage of photos submitted by your fans. Why is it important to you to treat them so well?

Etheridge: I think that in this day and age in music, people have such a choice. So when they spend their time and dollars to buy my album or come to my show, I'm honored. It means a lot to me to entertain them, and I want to connect with them, to be a special part of their life, or remind them of a special time in their life. I hold it in high regard; it keeps me on my toes and makes life enjoyable.

EDGE: In June, you released the song "Pulse," in reaction to the mass shootings in Orlando. Why is it important to heal from this event, while at the same time not forget it?

Etheridge: Just yesterday my wife and I drove from where I was performing in Daytona Beach to visit the Pulse Nightclub site and pay our respects. The city has been so stunned by it; it caused quite a shake-up for everybody. It was the beginning of a long hard summer of really coming face-to-face with who we are in America, and what we're going to stand for. We have a lot of work in front of us.

EDGE: You donated the proceeds to Equality Florida. Why is it more important than ever to support your local LGBT organizations, given the political climate?

Etheridge: That's why it is! We have a lot of rhetoric being thrown around and used to get some sort of negative power going - but that's always been part of our society. It's part of the human condition to balance the dark and the light.

But we have the freedom in America to spend our money how we choose, and that's ultimately going to most affect change: where we spend our money, and how we vote. So give to charities that do the groundwork we all can't do every day. This is especially important when we see federal monies being taken away, when we're under attack.

More Business Ventures?

EDGE: In 2014, you partnered with a California medical marijuana dispensary to make cannabis-infused wine. You have since expanded the No Label wine offerings. How's that going?

Etheridge: With the passage of Prop 64, California will have legal, recreational cannabis - but not until 2018, so we have another year of putting these businesses together. That gives us some time before Big Tobacco comes in and starts running the show! So right now, my wine is still not federally recognized; it's only sold in California, and you have to have a license to get it, but obviously with the passage of this legislation, it will soon become easier to obtain.

EDGE: A lot of celebs like to dabble in other fields, like actors who release albums. Is there any other profession you'd like to try your hand at?

Etheridge: I would like to be on the small or big screen. I think as I get older, I only get more interesting! And my wife [executive producer Linda Wallem] is in the business, so you never know.

EDGE: I read in the New York Times that you're now wearing hearing aids. Any cautionary tales for young musicians?

Etheridge: What's that? I must not be wearing them right now! [Laughs] I would advise people to take care of your hearing. I did pretty well for a long time; it's just started getting bad this year. But I did have the tendency to enjoy it loud onstage, and you've got to be aware, because technically there are ways not to blast your ears out.

Celebrating the Holidays

EDGE: You're about to play dates in Connecticut, including The Ridgefield Playhouse. Please share a message with your New England fans.

Etheridge: I love playing the Ridgefield Playhouse! They are such good friends to me. It's such an intimate, cool place to play, and I always love the audience. This show has a bit more spirit than usual. It's centered around peace on earth and good will: the message we all need to hear right now. The show is structured so that we get into the holiday spirit, rock 'n roll out, and leave feeling better than we came.

EDGE: You'll be singing holiday classics like "Merry Christmas Baby," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and "O Night Divine." What's your favorite holiday song?

Etheridge: I love singing "The Christmas Song" or "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." But I can also put on an Elvis or Frank Sinatra Christmas album, and just be so happy listening to those classic songs.

EDGE: How will you and your family celebrate the holidays?

Etheridge: We will be home in Los Angeles where Christmas comes with mild temperatures, and we will all be together. We love cooking Christmas dinner, and sharing the joy of the holidays with each other.

Melissa Etheridge plays at 8 p.m. on December 5 at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT. Tickets are $125. For tickets or information, call 203-438-5795 or visit For Melissa Etheridge" s="" full="" tour="" schedule,="" visit her website.