Jackson Free Press

You may have seen MeLinda Ledbetter performing at any of the various open-mic nights around town. Or you might have experienced her bluesy vocal stylings alongside Mike and Marty, at Fenian's, the Warehouse or Shucker's. She performed at the JFP Chick Ball back in May as well. Ledbetter sings familiar tunes that most of us can identify with, and she has a passion about her music. She says that she has never relied on music as a "money maker," but she chooses to "do it for the love of the game."

Ledbetter, 44, grew up in South Jackson, moved to Hattiesburg to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, then came back to the Belhaven area and finally has settled in Clinton. She has been performing in the Jackson area for about 10 years. She mostly performs cover songs, but admits that there are many songs "trapped" in her head trying to get out. She does not currently play any instruments, so she is searching for someone to help her "bring those songs to life."

Tell me a bit about yourself and how you came to be a musician.

I remember singing along with my record player in my room as early as 5 years old. I loved the Monkees, and played their songs over and over. I had a pink cashmere sweater and some go-go boots, and I was set to GO! I never sang in public until I was about 34 years old, and I answered an ad in the paper for a band looking for a singer. I got the gig, and it went from there.

What are some of the bands you have performed with in the past?

The one that got the most gigs around here was called Smack—we were pretty hard rocking. We were together about two years before things fell apart. I have been recognized on the streets on more than one occasion as the lead singer for that band. The last band I was in only lasted a year, and we lacked the focus and rehearsal habits that I experienced with Smack. I have also sat in a song here and there with the Houserockers, and the Kool Filter Kings. Mark Whittington is a long-time and dear friend of mine, and one of the best players around here.

Who are your major musical influences?

My musical tastes and influences are far-reaching and diverse. My vocal icons include Chris Cornell, Sam Cooke, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Rogers, just to name a few.

If you were stuck on a desert island, what are three albums you'd have to take with you?

Audioslave's first album, Bad Company's first one and maybe one by Michael Buble.

Are there any musicians in your family?

Not any who perform, per se, but we always sang in the car on trips when I was growing up. My mother loved music, and tried to see that I was exposed to more than just Led Zeppelin and Black Oak Arkansas.

Do you have a day job?

As far as day jobs go, I was selling real estate up until about a month ago, when I had to let my license go inactive. I hope to re-enter the field in a few months, however. I also was cleaning houses and doing vinyl decal application for KLLM. I am only doing decals right now, and trying to get other business taken care of. I don't like a 9-5 type job. … I wish there was a job that entitled me to be a sort of "sign police"—where I go around and find businesses with misspelled or ridiculous signage and fine them some outrageous fee and force them to fix the problems. It's just a peeve of mine.

What was it like performing at Chick Ball?

For me, even being included in the possible line-up was exciting. I was glad to have my favorite guitar player, Brother Dan (aka Dan Throgmorton), along with me as well, and we were glad to be performing for such a good cause.

What's the toughest crowd you've ever played for?

I sang lead for a heavy rock band that got booked at the HUNT CLUB, here in Jackson. From the minute we were loading in equipment and a guy at the bar asked if we did any country music, I knew we were in trouble! I actually had someone threaten to throw tomatoes at us.

What kind of impact do you hope your music has on listeners?

I want to take them on the emotional journey of each song I sing, and help them to recall times in their own lives when they might have experienced such things, or maybe better understand those who have experienced times like that.