Melinda Hagan: A Journey Through Music and Life

Melinda Hagan, a musician deeply rooted in the traditions of country music, hails from the small town of Florala, Alabama. Growing up in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Melinda was surrounded by music from an early age. Her father, a WWII Navy pilot, and her mother, a professional singer, instilled in her a love for music that would shape her life’s path. As a child, she spent her days riding horses and dirt bikes, all the while absorbing the sounds of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, two of her earliest influences.

Driven by a passion to make her mark in the music industry, Melinda moved to Nashville, Tennessee, a city synonymous with country music. It was here, in the heart of the country music world, that she would not only find her voice but also meet her future husband, Grammy Award-winning sound producer and engineer, Clark Hagan. Their meeting during one of her first studio sessions was serendipitous, marking the beginning of both a professional and personal partnership.

Melinda’s career in Nashville was marked by significant milestones. She opened for country legend Marty Haggard, performed on the popular television show Nashville Star, and played in a variety of bands, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her time at Porter Wagoner’s Fireside Recording Studio further honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the music industry.

After years of adventure and success in Nashville, Melinda and her family settled in Elizabeth, Colorado. Despite the change in scenery, her passion for music remained unwavering. Today, she leads worship at Elizabeth Presbyterian Church, where she continues to share her gift of music with her community.

In 2022, Melinda’s talent caught the attention of a national audience when she appeared on Season 3 of RFDTV’s "The Merlin Gene Show." Her performance of the duet “If Teardrops Were Pennies” with Merlin was a poignant nod to her country roots, paying homage to the legendary Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner.

Later that year, Melinda released a 6-song EP that showcased both her love for classic country and her ability to craft original music. The EP included covers like "Viva Las Vegas," "Sweet Thang," and "Muleskinner Blues," alongside her original tracks "Mountain Top" and "Letting Love Grow." The response was overwhelmingly positive, with her first video "Mountain Top" quickly amassing over 14,000 views and her songs collectively receiving over 4,000 downloads on Spotify.

Melinda's collaborations with renowned musicians have further solidified her place in the country music scene. She has worked with Eddie Bayers, a Country Music Hall of Fame drummer who has played on over 300 Top 10 country singles, and Dan Dugmore, a multi-instrumentalist and premier pedal steel guitarist known for his work on tracks like "Blue Bayou." These collaborations have placed her in the same league as some of the biggest names in country music.

Despite her success, Melinda remains grounded. Her music reflects not only her deep connection to her Southern roots but also her personal experiences and spiritual journey. She continues to balance her professional life with her family life in Colorado, where she lives with her husband, Clark, and their two children.