Melissa	Ellis
Electronic Press Kit
Melissa Ellis is a blue-eyed soul artist from East Tennessee. Coined “The Southern Spitfire” as a child, Melissa Ellis lives up to the name, delivering high-energy vocal performances that leave concertgoers breathless and wanting more!

Melissa found her natural talent as a toddler and began singing in church every opportunity she could. She performed on stage for the first time at just two years of age. By the time she was in high school, she dominated vocal competitions until she was signed on as a professional singer/actress/dancer in theater. She went on to study music at Tennessee Technological University as a vocalist and graduated with a degree in Music Therapy while she pursued a music career in Nashville and worked in a few regional theater tours.

In 2009, Melissa released her debut album Melissa Benjamin, introducing her powerful voice to the world of bluegrass & gospel. Her original single, “Crossville,” was adopted by her hometown as the official city song. While touring, she found new inspiration and started writing more original songs. With new songs came a new sound that evolved into a more soulful genre.

Melissa’s sophomore album, Just Me, was released in 2011 and features two original songs, “Southern Spitfire” & “Boy Next Door.” Notably, the album showcases her musicianship on guitar & piano, as well as her distinct, powerful voice that defines her art.

Currently in production for her third studio album, Rising Sun, Melissa’s latest musical journey brings out the deep emotional sounds of blues & her training in jazz with a touch of southern soul. In 2017, she performed over 100 shows in the southeast region. Her repertoire includes several of her own songs mixed with re-imaginings of classic and familiar favorites that are presented in fresh new ways, intertwined with her own southern, soulful style
that has left fans referring to her as the “Norah Jones of the South”. 2018 brought even greater opportunities for Melissa, giving a short tour in Europe as well performing during Nashville’s acclaimed CMA Fest representing her signature jazzy, southern sound among rising country artists.

Melissa Ellis www.MelissaEllisMusic.com Southern Spitfire Entertainment

What Others Are Saying...

“Melissa is a top notch artist. Her soulful vocals are not to disappoint!” ~James Crowley (Studio Owner/Musician).

“Melissa Ellis has long been a staple of our concert music series here at the Cumberland County Playhouse. Her smooth sound and comic wit keep our audiences laughing and entertained. It is always our pleasure whenever we are able to get her on to one of our stages.”
~Sam Hahn (Concert Producer, Cumberland County Playhouse)

“...Awesome voice; very entertaining. Recommend to everyone.” ~Jo Cassidy (Facebook fan)

“Bistro 29, and I, love Melissa! Book her now. You won’t regret it!” ~Wayne Peacock (owner and manager, Bistro 29)

Click Here For Live Video Performances

Event Packages...
Solo Act – You get Melissa Ellis playing keys and singing for guests. Her voice will fill the room. She can engage the crowd or be the perfect background addition to your elegant or casual atmosphere.
Duo Act – You get Melissa Ellis playing keys & guitar as well as her drummer to provide swinging beats for people to dance. Don’t worry, our drummer is very tasteful and knows how to play the room – volume is not an issue for him.
Full Band (Melissa Ellis and the Fellas) – Melissa Ellis brings along “The Fellas” to perform backed by guitar, bass, and drums—trio to four piece band—to fit almost any budget. This is a high-energy show your crowd will love. Music takes them from soulful rhythms and soaring guitar solos to soft melodies showcasing Melissa’s incredible voice.

Melissa Ellis www.MelissaEllisMusic.com Southern Spitfire Entertainment

Set List Sample...
With nearly a thousand songs to her repertoire, and along with her original music, Melissa will perform familiar and re-imagined songs and classics from such artists as...

Nina Simone
Beth Hart
Melody Gardot
Norah Jones
Van Morrison
Michael Buble
Elvis Presley
John Legend
Billy Joel
Sarah Bareilles

The Hollies
Louis Armstrong
Janis Joplin
Etta James
Brandi Carlile
Elton John
Patsy Cline
Aretha Franklin
Otis Redding
Elton John

Dusty Springfield
Al Green
Carly Simon
Carol King
Ella Fitzgerald
The Animals
Michael Jackson
Sam Cooke
Susan Tedeschi
Frank Sinatra

Notable Career Venues and Festivals
37 Cedar Restaurant
1885 Grill
Alley Taps
Autour de Midi
Le Baiser Sale
The Barn at Oaklawn Farms
Beef and Barrel Restaurant
Bistro 29
Bluebird Cafe
Bull and Thistle Pub
Red Silo Brewing Company
Fainting Goat Vineyards
Bourbon Street Grill
Gibby’s Dining and Drinks
Water Into Wine
Ryman Auditorium
The Goat (Murfreesboro)
The Goat (Mt. Juliet)
Spring Tree Farms
Quaker Steak and Lube

The Pavillion at Hunter Valley Farms
Wildhorse Saloon
Station Inn
CMA Fest
Spike’s Sports Grille
Ritz Theater
Chestnut Hill Winery
Grinderhouse Coffee
Cumberland County Playhouse
Green Frog Farms
Domaine de Graux
Spirit Broadband Amphitheater
Wine on the Plateau
Salt Box Inn
Lake Tansi Summer Concert Series
Childress Vineyards
The Casual Pint (Farragut, Bearden, and Fountain City)
Good Samaritans Summer Concert Series
The Palace Theater

Melissa Ellis www.MelissaEllisMusic.com Southern Spitfire Entertainment

Information

Melissa Ellis
www.melissaellismusic.com mel@melissaellismusic.com 615.605.8019

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For Booking Information:

Matt Clyde ǀ Artist Relations
Southern Spitfire Entertainment SouthernSpitfireEntertainment@outlook.com 615-869-9456

Mel Clyde ǀ Press Contact and Booking
Southern Spitfire Entertainment
mel@MelissaEllisMusic.com 931.933.5015

Melissa Ellis www.MelissaEllisMusic.com Southern Spitfire Entertainment