By Ryan Duey

Melissa Etheridge, a rock star and Kansas native, is using music to heal and uplift after the loss of her son to an opioid overdose in 2020. In Topeka, she recorded a new album at the Correctional Facility and produced a documentary to be released on Paramount+.

Through this project, Etheridge connected with five women inmates, inspiring songs and sharing their stories of healing and redemption. Their exchanges aim to foster understanding and compassion, opening up discussions on prison reform and rehabilitation. Etheridge’s openness about her personal struggles and her dedication to this project reflect her commitment to healing through music and empathy.