Melendez to perform May 11 at WPAC
Branson, Mo. native Tony Melendez will showcase his unique music skills at a special concert.
The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on May 11 at the Wilson Performing Arts Center. Cost of a ticket is $15, and the proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Center of Southwest Iowa. Tickets will be on sale starting May 4, and can be reserved by calling the WPAC at 623-3183.
Melendez was born without arms. This was due to his mother being prescribed Thalidomide, a drug used to help calm morning sickness, during her pregnancy. While he was fitted for artificial arms, he stopped wearing them at age 10 because he discovered he was even more capable using his feet.
“I didn’t feel comfortable. I could use my feet so much more,” Melendez said.
His proficiency with his feet extended to more areas than just day-to-day care. He found he was proficient musically as well.
“At first, I started playing push-button organ. Then in high school I began playing around with the guitar and harmonica,” commented Melendez.
Additionally, Melendez also began writing his own songs. Whether it was “playing around” with music or merely adjusting to a normal high school routine, Tony never let his handicap get in his way and said he was pretty secure in what he could do.
Melendez became deeply involved in the Catholic church while in high school and even considered becoming a priest, but he discovered he was unable due to the fact priests are required to have an index finger and thumb.
“The news was disappointing to me, but I persevered in my church activities, using my talents as a guitarist and composer for masses and church-related events,” said Melendez.
Demand for him increased to the point where he was directing and singing in music groups at up to five masses on a given Sunday. It caught people’s attention, including someone with the group organizing activities for the monumental visit of Pope John Paul II in 1987.
“Someone pulled my name out of somewhere and asked me to go to a meeting,” Melendez said. “I wasn’t sure what it was. It turned out to be an audition, and I was accepted. I was really excited when I heard.”
Melendez said it was an unforgettable moment when, in September of that year, he played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles, performing “Never Be The Same.”
Since then Melendez has traveled across the United States and 40 foreign countries, making countless television appearances, as well as additional performances for the Pope, and authoring a best-selling autobiography. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including special commendations from former President Ronald Reagan
Melendez resides with his wife, Lynn, in Branson.
“Lynn and I love each other deeply, and music brought us together. So, one day we’ll share all of these memories with our children. Music has opened the door to my dreams, and I will keep singing, continue to share my life, and keep making music for all who will listen.”