In a world where time is both a gift and a fleeting whisper, the radiant spirit of Melissa (Shelly) Barry found its voice in the heartstrings of her music.
As a singer-songwriter, she adorned the melodies of a Birmingham New Grass ensemble named Folk Salad with her artistry. Before fate cast its shadow, the stage was her canvas, and her songs wove stories that now hold a cherished place in our hearts.
The band became a vessel for Melissa's creativity, and through its harmonies, many were privileged to hear the resonating chords of her original compositions. These timeless pieces found their home on her CD, aptly titled "Set You Free." Each track is a testament to her boundless passion and testament to the future she envisioned.
-> To honor her legacy and amplify her spirit, we extend an invitation to listen online, download, or share, for FREE.
-> Simply select song from menu, and click "DOWNLOAD" and start enjoying!
Together, through the harmony of giving, we create melodies of promise, weaving dreams for the lives that find refuge within Melissa's Place—an orphanage in Haiti, bearing the name of the one who once sang among us.
Embracing the light that dances through the lens of time, we find a poignant connection in the image before us. The guitar, cradled within the frame, stands as an emblem of Melissa's musical journey—a journey that continues to inspire hope and melody.
It's the very same guitar that resonates through the melodies on her CD, a musical tapestry she carefully wove before her untimely departure. This guitar carries the mark of a Martin Elizabeth Cotten 0018 CTN special edition. The echoes of Elizabeth Cotten's legacy intertwine with the strings, as her composition "Freight Train" found its way into the hearts of many through the harmonies of Peter, Paul, and Mary in the 1960s. The car crash left the guitar with scars that spoke of impact and upheaval, a reflection of the chaos that reigned that day. But amid the wreckage, a glimmer of resilience emerged. The guitar's neck, a beacon of unbroken spirit, stood as a testament to the melodies that would not be silenced. A plea arose, a call to the makers of harmony themselves—Martin Guitar company. The request was simple yet profound: to breathe new life into the guitar that carried not just notes, but the essence of Melissa's passion. In a symphony of craft and compassion, the company embarked on a mission to rebuild, to fashion a new body to cradle the steadfast neck. And so, the story continued—a tale of renewal, of finding harmony amidst the discord. The guitar, once a companion to melodies of the past, was reborn, infused with the legacy of Elizabeth Cotten, the spirit of Melissa, and the dedication of artisans who believe in the power of music to mend and transform.
Family Jam Session
Melisa, Dylan, Zeke, and the parakeet having a lively "family jam session" in their Ashville home sometime around 2003.
"Together, through the harmony of giving, we create melodies of promise for the lives that find refuge within Melissa's Place - an orphanage in Haiti, bearing the name of the
one who once sang among us."
- Jerry Shelly
Melissa's Father & Co-Founder
