Album Notes

Her independent debut album, I Am The Way, released on April 29th, 2001, has blessed numerous people and has been receiving rave reviews. Born in Houston, TX, Melanie is the youngest of three siblings. Melanie received Christ as her savior at an early age under the leadership of Pastor Gusta Booker of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church, Houston, TX.

Melanie began fulfilling her singing destiny in church and school choirs. As a teen, she competed in many talent shows, vocal and instrumental competitions, pageants, as well as music theatrical productions. Melanie was also the vocalist for the Mighty Eagle Jazz Ensemble of Willowridge High School, Sugarland, TX.

During her college years, Melanie was a member of the nationally acclaimed Dillard University concert choir and female quartet as the second soprano section leader and one of the lead vocalists. She is a featured vocalist on the Inaugural CD that the choir recorded in 1998. Melanie also won pageants at the collegiate level and was elected Miss Dillard University, New Orleans, LA 1997-1998. In the spring of 1998, Melanie received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and went on to receive her Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University.

Melanie, who is currently a teacher of special needs students in Texas, has had the desire to sing professionally since she was very young. Upon completion of her MA, Melanie decided that she wanted to share the love she has for Christ through her music. Her brother Melton L. Finley, who also manages her career, encouraged her to produce an independent gospel album. She began writing seriously and with the ingenuity of a good college friend, Zane Gipson of Louisiana, production of her CD was well on its way. Melanie has completed a dynamic CD that is sure to take the world by storm, "I want my music to be an expression of my love and commitment to Christ and my love of music. I'm not perfect, but as a young adult, I am encouraged daily to be the lady He wants me to be." From Track 1, the foot-stomping Dance, to the sweet and smooth sounds of Track 10, "Your Destiny", Melanie proves that a young woman can have a passion for music and live "Virtuously."