Melinda Doolittle

MELINDA DOOLITTLE, who became a household name on season six of American Idol, has continued to thrill...
 
Her debut album, Coming Back to You (2009), garnered rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times which hailed Melinda as one of the most 'phenomenally gifted' in years.  The album recalls the magic and luster of R&B's classic artists and features production by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini. Recorded with the highest caliber musicians from the musical epicenters of Nashville and New York City, Coming Back to You soars as a soul-baring tour de force with Melinda transforming lively soul, jazz, pop and R&B stylings into a definitive collection of songs that urge the listener to come back again and again.
 
&It was truly wonderful to record the album using live instruments and to be able to sing songs that paint a picture,& notes Melinda.  &And now I get to travel the country and perform them live with my band - what could be better?!&
 
It is that kind of positive statement that led Worthy Media to seek out Melinda and ask her to share her unique perspective on life.  In her book, Beyond Me (2010), Melinda recounts the life lessons that have shaped who she is today.  Illustrated by poignant, often humorous stories, the lessons provide practical guidance to overcoming personal obstacles and achieving the next level in any area of life.  Raised by a single mom who had to struggle to make ends meet, statistics show that Melinda should not be living the life she is; so, what made the difference?
 
&I always say Jesus and my Mommy!& laughs Melinda, &The 'Mommyisms' I learned growing up still guide me and it's my faith that keeps me moving forward.  I cover those things in depth in Beyond Me.&  Melinda adds, &It was definitely a cathartic process, writing this book, stepping back and taking stock of my life so far.&
 
Tone deaf as a child, Melinda's choir teacher would plead with her not to sing, but just silently move her mouth. Undaunted, her love of singing drove her to enter a talent show in the 7th grade, and after much practice and prayer, she stunned the audience with her miraculously spot-on vocals and beautiful voice.  She never looked back.
 
Melinda went on to graduate with a music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN and hone her skills as a background singer with the Gospel group Anointed.  She eventually carved out a niche in the Nashville music scene, singing background for musical legends such as Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, and Aaron Neville, before finishing third on the sixth season of American Idol.
 
&Idol was an amazing experience for me,& says Melinda.  &I learned so much about myself and made lifelong friendships.  It has also provided me with unimaginable opportunities to sing music I love and have a platform to make a difference.&
 
Since her time on Idol and her transition into the spotlight, Melinda has wowed audiences everywhere with her 'big voice' and 'soulful' performances, from the White House to the Musicians Hall of Fame, from the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall.  She has gone on to share the stage with some of the very artists for whom she sang background as well as music luminaries such as Peter Cetera, Cyndi Lauper, and the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra.
 
Melinda also blazed new trails as the first African American character on a Veggie Tales release.  Veggie Tales, the tremendously popular children's cartoon features Melinda as 'Cassie Cassava' on their 2011 DVD, 'Twas The Night Before Easter.
 
Also in 2011, Melinda released her original Christmas single, &God Bless Us Everyone&.  Co-written by Melinda and renowned songwriter, Regie Hamm (&Time Of My Life&), &God Bless Us Everyone& was hailed as a new holiday classic.  &We were really trying to create a fresh take on the timeless themes of Christmas,& Melinda says.  &Like so many people, Christmas is my favorite time of year.  I feel like we've captured some of the magic of the season in this song. In fact, many people may recognize the phrase, &God Bless Us Everyone&, as the closing line of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, spoken by the character of Tiny Tim.  The story has become so intertwined with the holidays; it was the perfect sentiment for a new Christmas song!&&
 
Currently in the studio, writing and recording songs for the release of her next album, Melinda is excited about what is yet to come, &This album is going to be a completely different experience for the listener.  It wasn't until writing Beyond Me, that I realized I had a story to tell.  So, to be able to put my heart out there in song is deliciously terrifying!&
 
Melinda's love for music is eclipsed only by her love of giving back, as she dedicates much of her time to working with numerous charities, especially those that center on improving the lives of children; including the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and The League, which promotes involvement in community service among children.  She also works extensively with Malaria No More, and has traveled to Africa twice, once as a presidential delegate and once with former First Lady Laura Bush, bringing awareness to the preventable disease that takes the lives of over one million children under the age of five, every year.
 
&I love children and have been blessed to be a part of wonderful organizations that strive to give them the best future possible,& Melinda explains.  &There's no greater reward than seeing pure joy on a child's face.&