Melissa Etheridge

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Melissa Etheridge gained a huge fanbase in the 1990s with her rough-edged Janis Joplin-like voice and the mix of pop, rock, folk and country that appeared on hits like "Come to My Window," "I'm the Only One" and "I Want to Come Over."

Etheridge, an out lesbian who is very vocal about her sexuality, has become a celebrity icon not only for women, but also for those in the LGBT community. Although she was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge took to the road following high school and headed to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. She began by performing in a number of the area's known lesbian bars, and later began seeking out a record company. Initially rejected by Olivia Records, she was later hired as a full-time song writer for A&M records. However, it was Island Records that first signed her to a recording contract in 1986.

Etheridge, who battled breast cancer in 2004, reportedly signed onto the board of directors of the Noreen Fraser Foundation in June of 2009. The foundation raises funds for the prevention and treatment of women's cancer.People: Melissa Etheridge Backs Cancer Foundation (June 15, 2009)

Lifetime Television later produced a documentary about the life of Etheridge entitled "Intimate Portrait: Melissa Etheridge." Etheridge performed live at the 2008 Democratic Convention, and has devoted much of her life since breast cancer to charitable venues, such as relief aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the work of the Red Cross.

Etheridge has used her celebrityship to advance a number of causes, including environmental awareness, breast cancer research and gay rights. She was honored at the 2007 Academy Awards for her contribution to the Al Gore documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

• Ticketmaster: Melissa Etheridge

• May 29, 1961: Born in Leavenworth, Kansas

• October 19, 1987: Records self-titled debut album

• January, 1993: Comes out as a lesbian during Bill Clinton's first Inauguration

• September 21, 1993: Releases multi-platinum Yes I Am album

• 2003: Exchanges vows in a commitment ceremony with Tammy Lynn Michaels

• October, 2004: Diagnosed with breast cancer

• February 25, 2007: Won Best Original Song Oscar for I Need to Wake Up from the film An Inconvenient Truth