Melissa Manchester is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and actress, known for her rich voice and emotive performances. Born on February 15, 1951, in The Bronx, New York City, she began her career as a backup singer for Bette Midler and later gained fame in the 1970s with hits like "Midnight Blue" and "Don't Cry Out Loud." Manchester is a talented composer, having co-written "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Kenny Loggins, and has also enjoyed success on stage and screen, earning a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1983. Throughout her career, she has continued to explore diverse musical genres, maintaining a dedicated fan base and contributing significantly to the American music landscape.