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While other people sit at the door waiting for opportunity to knock, Pontiac, Michigan native Melanie
Rutherford, unapologetically kicks the door down. Bold, brash and extremely talented, this twenty
something singer/songwriter has been wowing music educators and industry professionals alike since
the age of five.
She began singing at the age of three. As a kindergarten student, Melanie Rutherford was selected
to sing a solo behind the fifth grade choir at Bethune Elementary School. After hearing a seven year old
Melanie sing at a talent competition, legendary gospel great, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark remarked that
she had “an anointing on her voice.” Just last year, Universal Music/Motown recording artist KEM,
named Melanie one of his musical inspirations, alongside Michael Jackson, Prince and Chaka Khan.
(The Michigan Frontpage, Project Next Edition: 11-30-07)
As a student at Pontiac’s Central High school she continued to win numerous music accolades and
scholarships including: securing a number two ranking in the Michigan Solo Ensemble Competition and
scholarships from the James Tatum Foundation for the Arts and the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Melanie was
also awarded a full music scholarship to Dillard University in Louisiana.
After her stint in college, Melanie returned to Detroit more determined than ever to pursue a music
career. She continued singing and writing, perfecting her crafts. Taking her destiny into her own hands,
Melanie went to Florida in 2002 to attend the Impact Music Conference intent on making something
happen. It was there that she met Def Jam recording artist, Redman and her professional singing and
songwriting career was launched. Impressed by her vocal and songwriting prowess, Redman signed
Melanie to his label, Gillahouse Records. Melanie’s affiliation with this bonafide East Coast rap legend
provided her with an entree into the world of hip-hop and rap music. Melanie blew through the door and
never looked back. Her voice is a well recognized contributor to the musical soundtrack of this
generation, having written and sang hooks on records for some of the most influential rap and hip-hop
artists of today including: Erik Sermon, Keith Murray, Slum Village, Redman, Pharoach Monch and
Phat Kat among others. She has also written songs for R & B artists Faith Evans and Carl
Thomas.
In addition to feature performances and songwriting placements, Melanie has recorded two critically
acclaimed R & B CDs. Her 2004 debut CD “You’ve Got Mel” released on Flawless Records is a rare
disc that has developed a cult following despite the fact that it is out of print. In 2007, “Relationships in
My Own Words” was released by True Substance Records. Soul Brother Records the largest
independent soul music record store in England featured Relationships in My Own Words as the CD
of the month in November 2007. Attention generated from her latest CD has fueled the demand for
countless live performances including a live performance with her band Phat Greasy on the Fox 2
Morning Show.
Melanie has a great love for all types of music, and is known for the diversity of her singing and
songwriting talents. Vocally and musically, she is a compelling, vivid, and versatile artist who has blown
music lovers away with her incredible vocal range and texture. Fans have compared her sound to Ella
Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan and Jill Scott. Melanie is not currently signed to a record or
publishing deal. She is busy promoting “Relationships in My Own Words,” performing live and
writing and recording her next CD. She continues to reside in Pontiac, Michigan where she manages
her publishing company, Mellosmooth Publishing.
