Vanessa Feltner: pianist, vocalist and songwriter was raised in a Christian home singing gospel music with her father: Dove Award nominee, Charles Feltner. Her father, a prominent songwriter was known for his writing abilities for songs such as his number 1 charting song “I’ll See You In The Rapture” recorded by The Kingsmen, Jerry and The Goffs, The Thrasher Brothers, The Booth Brothers and many others. He was also known for, “I’ll Never Be The Same Anymore” which was recorded by, “The Happy Goodmans and The Cooks. At an early age, he taught Vanessa the art of singing and writing commercial songs.

In her teens Vanessa joined her father in his group: The Southern Aires Quartet which he had founded nearly twenty years before at that time. They primarily toured the Midwest performing at many concerts with Southern Gospel legends such as the Happy Goodmans. It was there she developed her abilities as a singer and songwriter and began to gain national recognition from the the Southern Gospel music industry. During that time the Dixie Melody Boys had recorded many of Vanessa’s father’s songs including: “I Feel Better”, “His Amazing Grace” and “I Love The Precious Name of Jesus.” In 1980 The Dixie Melody Boys released a 45 single of Vanessa’s song, “I’ll Always Love Gospel Music” along with her father’s song, “All You Need Is Just A Touch”.