Manchester, Melissa (1951–)
Manchester, Melissa (1951–)
American musician. Born Feb 15, 1951, in Bronx, New York, NY; attended High School of Performing Arts.
Began singing jingles at 15; was staff writer at Chappell Music (late 1960s); discovered by Bette Midler and accompanist, Barry Manilow, while playing in NYC clubs, and signed as backup singer (1971); got record contract in 6 months and released debut, Home to Myself (1973), with songs co-written by Carole Bayer Sager; had 1st hit, "Midnight Blue," from 3rd album, Melissa (1975); gained wide following with release of Peter Allen and Sager's "Don't Cry Out Loud" (1979); co-wrote Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks' hit duet, "Whenever I Call You Friend"; became 1st performer to have 2 Academy Award-nominated film themes, "Ice Castles" and "The Promise" (1980); had biggest hit with "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" (Hey Ricky, 1982), and won Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance; other albums include Tribute (1989), If My Heart Had Wings (1995), Joy (1998), and with Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, Colors of Christmas (late 1990s); also acted in Bette Midler film, For the Boys, and tv series, Blossom; starred in touring revue, Andrew Lloyd Webber-Music of the Night.