2016 release. Melissa Etheridge goes to Memphis to explore her musical roots and earliest musical influences. Recorded at the historic Royal Studios, by Lawrence Boo Mitchell, the album covers classic Stax repertoire, mixing authentic Memphis sounds with Melissa's soulful voice and signature rock guitar, resulting in what could only be called Memphis rock 'n' roll! Etheridge is a Grammy-winning rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist. Her self-titled debut album Melissa Etheridge was released in 1988 and became an underground hit. She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993. She has received fifteen Grammy Award nominations throughout her career, winning two, in 1993 and 1995, respectively. In 2007, she won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.