Born and raised in St. Louis, Melissa Neels formed her love of music at an early age. Her mother always had music playing while Melissa was young. By the time she reached the 7th grade, Melissa began her career by learning to play the guitar, however learning to play lead guitar was a challenge.
A turning part in her young career was getting the opportunity to meet one of her idols, Bonnie Raitt. At that time, Melissa knew she was meant to be a musician. After playing in many bands that wouldn’t allow her “to express herself”, she formed her own band. Her ‘original’ band has gone through changes – but all for the better.

Since 1999, Melissa is finally getting the chance to express herself as a musician and song writer/vocalist with an accomplished group of musicians backing her. Some of Melissa's influences are Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeshchi, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Joanna Connor. Melissa also has local names that have added to her flavor and style – Patti Thomas of Patti and the Hitmen, Rich McDonough and Lisa Campbell of Uncle Albert.