Genres Christian, Spanish Name Tony Melendez Instruments guitar Role Guitar player | Years active 1985-present Albums Take My Hand Website tonymelendez.com | |
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Birth name Jose Antonio Melendez Rodriguez Occupation(s) singer, songwriter, composer Awards Latin Grammy Award for Best Regional Song Similar People Ernesto Cortazar II, Nick Vujicic, Nacho Galindo, Jessica Cox, Martin Valverde | ||
Tony mel ndez at st thomas the apostle parish bloomfield nj 3 4 13
José Antonio Meléndez Rodríguez (born January 9, 1962, Rivas, Nicaragua) is a Nicaraguan American guitar player, composer, 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.
Contents
- Tony mel ndez at st thomas the apostle parish bloomfield nj 3 4 13
- Tony mel ndez joue la guitare avec ses pieds
- Career
- Awards and recognition
- Discography
- Published works
- Songs
- References
Tony mel ndez joue la guitare avec ses pieds
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 to you, is to continue of giving [sic] this hope to all, all the people," which inspired him.
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.
Awards and recognition
Meléndez has won Unity Awards Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA in 2000, 2002, and 2004, and. In 2002, he 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".
Discography
Published works
Songs
This Is JesusThe Cup of Life · 1998
Hands in Heaven
All Creation Worships YouThe Cup of Life · 1998