Tony Meléndez

Tony Meléndez (born 1962) is a Nicaraguan American guitar player, composer and singer and songwriter who was born without arms. His mother took Thalidomide while pregnant, which caused his disability. Meléndez has learned to play the guitar with his feet.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Dancing Without Arms | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.prolife.com/MELENDEZ.html | work =ProLife.com | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-05 | language = ]

Career

Meléndez began playing and singing in the Los Angeles area in 1985. On September 15, 1987 Meléndez sang "Never Be the Same" while playing the guitar with his feet in a special performance for Pope John Paul II. Visibly moved, the Pope descended from his chair and embraced Meléndez. The pope told Meléndez, "My wish for you is that you continue to give hope to others and continue in what you are doing", which inspired him. [cite news | first=Rick | last=Hampson | coauthors= Patrick O'Driscoll | title=Tony Melendez; Wise words: 'Give hope' | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2005-04-03-pope-profiles-melendez_x.htm | work =USA Today | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-05 | language = ]

As of 2005, his band, Tony Meléndez and the Toe Jam Band, has a busy concert schedule. Meléndez gives motivational talks and has written a book. He campaigns actively for the pro-life cause.

Meléndez now resides in Branson, Missouri with his wife, Lynn.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Tony Melendez: Biography | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.tonymelendez.com/biography2.htm | work =TonyMelendez.com | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-05 | language = ]

Awards and recognition

Meléndez has won Unity Awards "Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA" in 2000, 2002, 2004 and in 2002 took Artist of the year. He received the Branson Entertainment Award for "Best New Artist" in 1999, the "Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at the Super Bowl XXIII and has received special commendations from the State of California for his work with young people and from President Reagan, regarding Tony "as a positive role model for America".

*Special Commendation from President Reagan - As A Positive Role Model for America
*Special Commendation from State of California - For Work with Young People
*Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Super Bowl XXIII in Miami
*Branson Entertainment Awards – Best New Artist (1999)
*Unity Awards - Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2000)
*Unity Awards - Artist of the Year UCMVA (2002)
*Unity Awards - Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2002)
*Unity Awards - Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2004)

Discography

*Never be the Same (1988)
*Ways of the Wise (1990)
*El Muro Se Callo (1991)
*Debe Haber (1995)
*Hands in Heaven (1997)
*The Cup Of Life (1998)
*Intimate Worship (1999)

Published works

*A Gift of Hope (1991)

ources

External links

* [http://www.tonymelendez.com/ Tony's website]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78WikcTWe4M Tony Meléndez on YouTube]
* [http://ramiro.infocusco.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=96 sample of his music and lyrics]