Melody Gardot

Biography

Melody Gardot, born on February 2, 1985, in New Jersey, is a Grammy-nominated American singer, writer, and musician. Raised primarily by her grandparents, she experienced a nomadic childhood, which influenced her adult life as a touring artist. Gardot studied fashion at the Community College of Philadelphia but faced a life-altering challenge in 2003 when she was severely injured in a cycling accident. This incident led to a year-long hospitalization, during which she learned to play the guitar and began writing songs. Gardot advocates for music therapy, emphasizing its benefits for cognitive recovery and emotional well-being. She has contributed to a music-therapy program in New Jersey and frequently shares her experiences at universities and hospitals. A practitioner of Buddhism and a macrobiotic cook, Gardot identifies as a "citizen of the world," reflecting her global perspective and humanitarian interests.