José Antonio Meléndez Rodríguez (born on January 9, 1962, in Rivas, Nicaragua) is a Nicaraguan American guitar player, composer and singer and songwriter who was born without arms.
His mother took Thalidomide while pregnant, which caused his disability. Meléndez has learned to play the guitar with his feet.
Meléndez began playing and singing in the Los Angeles area in 1985. On September 15, 1987 Meléndez sang Never Be the Same while playing the guitar with his feet in a special performance for Pope John Paul II. Visibly moved, the Pope descended from his chair and embraced Meléndez. The Pope told Meléndez, "My wish for you is that you continue to give hope to others and continue in what you are doing", which inspired him.
As of 2005, his band, Tony Meléndez and the Toe Jam Band, has a busy concert schedule. Meléndez gives motivational talks and has written a book. He campaigns actively for the pro-life cause.
Meléndez now resides in Branson, Missouri with his wife, Lynn.
Awards and recognition
Meléndez has won Unity Awards Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA in 2000, 2002, 2004 and in 2002 took Artist of the year. He received the Branson Entertainment Award for Best New Artist in 1999, the "Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at the Super Bowl XXIII and has received special commendations from the State of California for his work with young people and from President Reagan, regarding Tony "as a positive role model for America".
(Source: Wikipedia)
He is handicapped but not mentally! Such strength of character, focus and determination.
Please CLICK HERE to watch Tony Meléndez singing and playing the guitar with his feet! A Most Inspiring Man Indeed!
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