Music with the Melissas

Since it's music month, we're asking authors all about everything music related. We're also answering some of these questions. Check out what Melissa A and Melissa P are singing about.

Melissa A:

Favorite Broadway song:
I love Broadway so so much and almost any song from Rent or Les Miz could go on this list, along with countless others!

Favorite Disney song:
I’m also a Disney fanatic. I love “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast and I once put together a dance routine (for dance class in HS) for “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. I have fond memories of that. :) My top favorite is “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King.

Favorite country song:
Country is another favorite genre for me. So many to choose from. I LOVE “She Didn’t Have Time” by Terri Clark and it makes me cry whenever I hear it or see the video.

Best boy band of all time:
New Kids on the Block! :) I was obsessed in eighth grade. I even bought a hat that looked like the hats they wore. I went to their concert with my sister and BFF and was crying from happiness (and from seeing Joey dancing up on stage). I listened to their Hangin' Tough cassette so much that I probably burned a hole in it! I have it on CD now and that brings back tons of memories.

Favorite American Idol contestant:
I don’t watch American Idol anymore because one amazing contestant made the following seasons seem dull and annoying in comparison. That contestant is the gorgeous Adam Lambert with the incredible voice! I also like Carrie Underwood, Katharine McPhee, Kelly Clarkson and David Cook.

Left to right: Me, Joey, my sister

Have you ever met a famous singer?
I met Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block, but that was when he was in Wicked, so it’s a combo of rock and Broadway. I also met Adam Pascal, a Broadway star who has a great rock CD too.

Song you danced to first at your wedding:
“You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago. The previous summer, we were at a Soundstage concert featuring Peter Cetera and we were also trying to figure out what our first dance song should be. When we heard “You’re the Inspiration,” that was it!

Song which reminds you most of your teenage years:
I listened to Nirvana’s Nevermind album (or cassette, in this case) a lot during my high school years, so a lot of those songs are a good fit. I like some of the songs that weren’t as popular.


Melissa P:

Favorite 90's song:
"Love Is" by Vanessa Williams and Brian McKnight. It's such a beautiful song and I love the lyrics.

Favorite Rat Pack song:
"Fly Me To The Moon" by either Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra. It's a classic and I never get sick of it.

Favorite Disney song:
"A Whole New World" from Aladdin

Favorite female vocalist:
Easy. Sarah McLachlan. I have seen her in concert multiple times and she has, hands down, been my favorite since I was about 14.

Have you ever met a famous singer?
I have been fortunate enough to meet many famous singers, but the best experience I ever had was getting to spend time with Bette Midler (another of my favorites) at the after party following her show at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Unforgettable.

Three songs I'd pick for my chick lit novel soundtrack:
"You" by The Pretty Reckless, "Strong Enough" by Sheryl Crow, and "Love is a Verb" by John Mayer.

CD you could listen to over and over:
Continuum by John Mayer. It's amazing and he is such a talented guitarist. Probably one of my all time favorite albums.

Favorite song to "get ready" to:
I can't pick just one. Right now my favorites are "Take Over Control" by Afrojack, "Scream" by Usher, and "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi.