See Melissa Etheridge’s Rhythmic Solo Take on ‘I’m the Only One’
Rootsy rock singer Melissa Etheridge commands a one-woman band in an epic 11-minute acoustic performance of her 1993 breakthrough single “I’m the Only One.” Infused with even more fierceness than the gritty original, Etheridge’s Joplin-esque vocals are accompanied only by her 12-string guitar, harmonica and pre-recorded rhythms, emphasizing the tune’s passionately delivered message and Etheridge’s raw musical talent.
The performance is part of the musician’s upcoming self-titled Audience Network special airing Friday night, October 7th. The episode comes on the same day as the release of the Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist’s latest LP, MEmphis Rock and Soul, a collection celebrating her many musical influences.
Taped at Red Studios in Los Angeles, the concert also feature performances of other hits from the rocker, including “Bring Me Some Water” and “Come to My Window.” Etheridge also sits down with host Ted Stryker for a career-spanning interview.
In addition to the Sam & Dave soul classic “Hold On, I’m Coming,” MEmphis Rock and Soul features Etheridge updating such iconic tunes as Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now),” Johnnie Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love” and the Staple Singers’ 1971 smash “Respect Yourself,” for which she penned new socially conscious lyrics with songwriter Priscilla Renea. The new lyrics touch on current issues but also convey the song’s original context. In addition, Etheridge tackled obscure Stax tracks such as “Memphis Train,” cut in 1968 by Rufus Thomas, and the danceable “Wait a Minute,” recorded in 1962 by Barbara Stephens.
Melissa Etheridge airs Friday, October 7th, at 8:00 p.m. ET on Audience Network on DIRECTV (Ch. 239) and U-Verse (Ch.1114).