GREELEY, Colo. — Christian musician Tony Melendez has given a whole new meaning to the term "toe jam."
As a guitarist who has toured the world for more than three decades, Melendez has solidified himself as a respected artist within the industry — gaining national recognition and numerous honors, including special commendations from former President Ronald Reagan as well as performing for Pope John Paul II. And he's accomplished it all without any arms.
Melendez recently showcased his unique talent as he returned to Greeley to perform at the Union Colony Civic Center to share his music and life story.
Melendez was born without arms in 1962 after his mother was prescribed the drug thalidomide to help remedy morning sickness before doctors discovered the drug led to horrific birth defects.
"I haven't known anything different," he said in a phone interview. "I was born without two arms, and I've learned to live life around it. I do everything with my feet."
Including playing the guitar. Growing up with a guitarist for a father, Melendez was surrounded by music. He recalls that around 6 years old, he began experimenting with one of his father's older guitars by placing it on the ground and strumming with his toes. It wasn't until he was about 16, however, that his experimentation actually turned into music.
"I realized I had to use a different tuning called an open tuning, and with this tuning I'm able to form chords," he said. "And using two toes on my left foot — the fretting foot — I'm able to make minors and majors. But I can't play some of the more complicated chords."
Enter Greeley resident Pat Smith, Melendez's lead guitarist who has performed with Melendez for about 18 years.
"It's a very unique experience, not only just to be around him, but musically," Smith said. "He inspires me. He's had to work hard to develop a style of playing with your feet, which to my knowledge, there's only one other person has done. The fact that he did it alone inspires me to be better."
And inspiration is exactly what Melendez hopes to give people who attend his shows and hear his life story about overcoming the odds and doing what you love.
"I want people to walk away from my concerts thinking, 'Wow, he can do it as a guy with no arms — living life, being happy, playing the guitar — why can't I?'" Melendez said. "I think there's a sense of hope at the end of the concert that you walk away with ... there will be moments when you're excited, moments when you want to dance or moments when you want to shed a tear."