Melonie Cannon | |
---|---|
Born | Jackson, Tennessee | April 26, 1973
Genres | Bluegrass music, country music |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1993–present |
Labels | Skaggs Family, Rural Rhythm |
Website | www |
Melonie Cannon is an American singer, blending country and bluegrass on her solo albums and session work. Willie Nelson said, "Melonie Cannon is one of the best singers I know."[1]
Cannon was born in Jackson, Tennessee, but her family moved to Nashville when she was three years old. She is the daughter of country music songwriter and producer Buddy Cannon,[2] and the sister of songwriter Marla Cannon-Goodman.[3]
At age 14, she began singing background vocals for artists such as John Michael Montgomery, George Jones, and Kenny Chesney. At age 16, she recorded a duet of "Cry Cry Darlin'" with Sammy Kershaw.[4]
After a stint in the Army, she returned to Nashville to sing demos and help her father with his publishing and production companies.[5][6] Ronnie Bowman heard her sing at Nashville's Station Inn, and helped her assemble a group of musicians to record with.[7]
Her self-titled debut album, released in 2004 on the Skaggs Family record label, was produced by Bowman, and featured a blend of bluegrass and country music.[2] Guest artists included Stuart Duncan, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Rob McCoury, Rob Ickes, Randy Kohrs, and Jerry Douglas.[5]
In 2008, Cannon released And the Wheels Turn on Rural Rhythm. Cannon and Willie Nelson sang a duet on "Back To Earth."[8] Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, and Sonya Isaacs provide vocals. The album was co-produced by Buddy Cannon and Bowman. Adam Steffey, Randy Kohrs, Tim Stafford, Wyatt Rice, Aubrey Haynie, Jody King, Barry Bales, and Deanie Richardson provide instrumental support.[9]
Cannon has been publicly forthcoming about her successful treatment of an addiction to prescription medications. She sought and received treatment via rehab and the support of friends and family.[10]