TONY MELENDEZ
MUSICIAN
Tony Melendez is an internationally renowned singer, motivational speaker, and author. Born
without arms, he has become an accomplished guitarist.
In 1987, Tony was invited to share his music as a gift given from the youth of Los Angeles to
Pope St. John Paul II during the pope’s visit to the United States. As Melendez finished the last
strum of the song, Pope St. John Paul II was so inspired, he whispered from the stage, “I have to
kiss him.” What a surprise to all when he jumped into the audience and worked his way over to
Melendez to embrace him with a kiss. Upon returning to his stage, the Holy Father shared these
words with Tony, “ You are truly a courageous young man. My wish for you is that you continue
giving this hope to all the people.”
With those words, Saint John Paul II commissioned Tony Melendez to be a sign of God’s hope to
the world. Since that unforgettable moment, Melendez has traveled to every state in the United
States and forty-six countries sharing a message of hope. He has been invited to give
presentations for Catholic diocesan and national Youth, Charismatic, Marian and Eucharistic
conferences around the world, including twelve World Youth Day gatherings and the 2024
National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
Tony has recorded six albums and his autobiography, “A Gift of Hope”, was published by Harper
and Rowe in 1988. Numerous television and radio programs have featured Tony’s music and
story including: EWTN radio and television, Ave Maria radio, Guadalupe radio, PTL, Good
Morning America, CNN with Paula Zahn, Crook and Chase, Arsenio Hall, The Today Show, and
many more.
Currently, Tony continues his travels while residing in the beautiful Ozark hills of Missouri with
his wife of 35 years, Lynn. They have two children. Lynn Melendez works for the Diocese of
Springfield-Cape Girardeau as the Director of Family Life and Evangelization. Together, Tony and
Lynn enjoy mentoring couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in their diocese.
TONY MELENDEZ
MUSICIAN
Tony Melendez is an internationally renowned singer, motivational speaker, and author. Born
without arms, he has become an accomplished guitarist.
In 1987, Tony was invited to share his music as a gift given from the youth of Los Angeles to
Pope St. John Paul II during the pope’s visit to the United States. As Melendez finished the last
strum of the song, Pope St. John Paul II was so inspired, he whispered from the stage, “I have to
kiss him.” What a surprise to all when he jumped into the audience and worked his way over to
Melendez to embrace him with a kiss. Upon returning to his stage, the Holy Father shared these
words with Tony, “ You are truly a courageous young man. My wish for you is that you continue
giving this hope to all the people.”
With those words, Saint John Paul II commissioned Tony Melendez to be a sign of God’s hope to
the world. Since that unforgettable moment, Melendez has traveled to every state in the United
States and forty-six countries sharing a message of hope. He has been invited to give
presentations for Catholic diocesan and national Youth, Charismatic, Marian and Eucharistic
conferences around the world, including twelve World Youth Day gatherings and the 2024
National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
Tony has recorded six albums and his autobiography, “A Gift of Hope”, was published by Harper
and Rowe in 1988. Numerous television and radio programs have featured Tony’s music and
story including: EWTN radio and television, Ave Maria radio, Guadalupe radio, PTL, Good
Morning America, CNN with Paula Zahn, Crook and Chase, Arsenio Hall, The Today Show, and
many more.
Currently, Tony continues his travels while residing in the beautiful Ozark hills of Missouri with
his wife of 35 years, Lynn. They have two children. Lynn Melendez works for the Diocese of
Springfield-Cape Girardeau as the Director of Family Life and Evangelization. Together, Tony and
Lynn enjoy mentoring couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in their diocese.