In 1991, nineteen-year-old Melissa Ferrick got a phone call. The caller told her that she was about to open for Morrissey. She had about an hour to get to the amphitheater. And the next day, they sent a car to take her away on tour with Moz. It has been a long time since I last spoke with Melissa. And never before have we spoken to each other about the stories and experiences and details that she shares. Part 1 of 2, this episode is such a generous conversation re: early days, transformations, triumphs, frustrations ... and "Drive." Our conversation floored me with its specificity and sometimes its vulnerability and always by how powerfully the way Melissa Ferrick describes her world resonates.  

Clips in this episode:

1. Do Re Mi (Ani DiFranco and Melissa Ferrick, Live in New York - 2011)
2. Seconds (Melissa Ferrick, Live in Hollywood - 2009)
3. Giving Day 2021 (Melissa Ferrick and Steve Kurz, Northeastern College of Arts, Media and Design - 2021)
4. Morrissey in Houston (Christi Myers, 13 Eyewitness News - 1992)
5. Happy Song (Melissa Ferrick, 'Massive Blur' - 1993)
6. Hello Dad (Melissa Ferrick, 'Massive Blur' - 1993)
7. Massive Blur (Melissa Ferrick, 'Massive Blur' - 1993)
8. Freedom (Melissa Ferrick, 'Freedom' - 2000)
9. Drive (Melissa Ferrick, 'Freedom' - 2000)
10. North Carolina (Melissa Ferrick, 'Freedom' - 2000)
11. Closer (Melissa Ferrick, 'Live at Union Hall' - 2007)