“I grew up in Bay Minette, Alabama, quitting school in the eleventh grade to pursue music. I was five or six and singing in the bathtub. I knew then that I would play music and sing, but I didn’t take lessons or have the tools to do it. My uncle once visited and brought his guitar, teaching me two chords. I snuck down every morning, playing those chords over and over.  ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’ was the first song I learned. My dad writes poetry for every occasion, making me believe that I could write songs.

I learned how to harmonize by listening to The Indigo Girls. Singing their songs felt like a safe place. I had some of my own songs, but I was a gay kid in a small town. I was shy about performing until I played at a local talent show. Winning it gave me enough confidence to share my music. Never dreamed I would one day be touring with the Indigo Girls and harmonizing with them on stage. That would’ve blown my mind right down the river.

I landed a record deal in 2000 for Lifescapes sold in Target stores across the country, giving me a career with firsts and endless possibilities. I released the Raise the Dead album in 2012, almost signing with Atlantic Records. I had been hanging out with the Zac Brown Band and touring with G. Love–both big opportunities–but came off the road because something was going on with my health. I couldn’t get well; my body felt terrible. Doctors couldn’t find what was wrong—one thought I was a hypochondriac. I was finally diagnosed in 2012 with Multiple Sclerosis/Neuromyelitis Optica while leaving for my first European tour.

It took a long time figuring out how to handle this atypical form of MS. The doctors told me I would be in a wheelchair or blind in five years. I got proactive about taking care of my health. That meant putting music on hold–my future became uncertain. MS stole a lot of time from me and my career, at times making me feel weak physically and spiritually. It also introduced me to the resilient side that I hadn’t met before, showing me who I am. Then the music returned.

I’ve been opening for the Indigo Girls this year. It’s exciting to play again, but I was out of shape for it. One of my obstacles is losing muscle memory to play songs: the connection between my hands and my brain is different. I’m never completely sure what my body will do, and I don’t have flawless shows. Some of my battles happen in front of people; it’s okay for them to see I’m not perfect. Sometimes I’ll say, ‘I fucked this up,’ and start a song over.

I’ve also been fighting more with stage fright, sometimes feeling like I’m on the edge of a cliff about to bungee jump. I would never bungee jump. You could pay me a million dollars to bungee jump; I would still say no. But I’m thankful to be playing again. Having Roy Durand playing percussion with me has been a game-changer; he holds me up, and we enjoy playing together. We did recently seven shows in seven days, felt like we could do seven more. That shows me that I’ll do just fine as long as we can consistently tour.

My new album, The Olive Tree, was created during a difficult time, but it represents a second chance at life and music–what will I do with them? The Olive Tree hit number one on the blues album chart at iTunes this year. That’s my first, and a big deal for an independent artist like me.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve experienced the power, connection, and community of music in many ways, I’m thankful for that. One of the most powerful messages I’ve found and shared is ‘live your life brave.’ I wrote the song ‘Message From Kate’ about this and will soon record it for my next album. Sometimes I’m a coward, but I’m learning to trust the journey and live brave.”

Kristy Lee

(concert photo is courtesy of Kristy Lee)