Who Is Melanie Thornton? Age, Biography and Wiki
Melanie Thornton was born on May 13, 1967, and tragically passed away on November 24, 2001. As of 2025, she would have been 57 years old. A celebrated American singer, Thornton first gained fame as a member of the Eurodance group La Bouche in the 1990s, where her powerful vocals captivated audiences worldwide. After her departure from the group, she embarked on a solo career, further establishing her presence in the music industry. Her contributions to pop and dance music continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 13, 1967 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Date of death | 24 November, 2001 |
| Died Place | Bassersdorf, Zürich, Switzerland |
Popularity
Melanie Thornton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although precise measurements are often mentioned, Melanie Thornton was known to stand at a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Her weight during her career varied but was generally around 120 pounds (54 kg). She had a confident stage presence and was celebrated not only for her voice but also for her dynamic performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Melanie Thornton was known to keep her personal life relatively private. There are limited public details regarding her relationships. However, it is reported that she had a significant relationship during her career, but there are no confirmed details about a boyfriend or husband before her passing. Her close relationship with family and friends was often reflected in her music, where she expressed themes of love and connection.
She had long dreamt of a career in music and in February 1991, Thornton went to Germany. Her sister lived there with her U.S. Army husband and Thornton had dual citizenship in Germany and the United States. Her uncle, Bob Chisolm, a singer and piano player, encouraged her to give the German nightclub circuit a try.
She had been singing in a Macon, Ga., band, Danger Zone, pulling down $50 on a good night. However, Bob Chisolm told her that on a bad night in Germany she would make $150.
Thornton provided guest vocals for a lot of dance projects on their single releases, such as Orange Blue's "If You Wanna Be (My Only)", Comic's "I Surrender to Your Love", 100%'s "Power of the Light", Trance-Vision's "Take Me 2 Heaven 2 Nite" or Men Behind's "Feel the life" and "How Can I."
Net Worth and Salary
Prior to her untimely death, Melanie Thornton had amassed considerable wealth through her music career and performances. Her estimated net worth was around $10 million at the time of her passing. This figure was primarily derived from her successful music career, including album sales, live performances, and royalties.
She signed a record deal with Sony/Epic Records. Her first solo single was released in November 2000, titled "Love How You Love Me", a ballad (the CD-maxi includes a few dance remixes). Thornton presented her new single on November 29, 2000, on the RTL Spendenmarathon, and on December 1 at the Dome in Berlin.
The follow-up singles were "Heartbeat" in March 2001, and "Makin' Oooh Oooh (Talking About Love)" in September 2001. On May 7, 2001, Thornton released her first (and only) solo album entitled Ready to Fly under the label X-Cell, distributed by Sony/Epic Records.
The album featured a mixture of soul and dance tracks that showed off her powerful voice. There was also a special edition of the album released later on November 26, 2001, featuring some remix bonus tracks and bonus songs such as the single "Wonderful Dream (Holidays Are Coming)".
Thornton continued to do club appearances in the United States under the billing "Melanie Thornton, formerly of La Bouche". She was featured on Joy-Lab's single release "Freedom (Free Your Mind)" in 2001.
Career, Business and Investments
Melanie Thornton's career began in the late 1980s, but she rose to international fame in the 1990s with La Bouche, known for hits like "Be My Lover" and "Sweet Dreams." After her departure from the group, she released her solo album, "Ready to Fly," in 2000, which showcased her versatility as an artist and contributed to her lasting legacy in the music industry. Beyond her music career, Thornton was involved in various philanthropic efforts, including working with charities focused on health and support for underprivileged communities.
Melanie Janene Thornton (May 13, 1967 – November 24, 2001) was an American pop and dance music singer. She was the lead singer of the Eurodance group La Bouche from 1994 to 1999, alongside American rapper and backing vocalist Lane McCray.
Their two most successful singles, "Sweet Dreams" and "Be My Lover", were released in 1994 and 1995 respectively. After leaving the group, Thornton began a solo career and found success, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland before her death in November 2001.
Her solo songs include "Love How You Love Me", "Heartbeat", "Makin' Oooh Oooh (Talking About Love)" and "Wonderful Dream (Holidays Are Coming)".
Social Network
Although Melanie Thornton did not have a social media presence during her lifetime, posthumously, various fan pages and music tribute accounts have emerged on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These accounts celebrate her music, showcase her legacy, and connect fans around the world who continue to honor her memory.
Thornton tried it and soon found work in studios recording demos. It was her recording of the song "Sweet Dreams" that caught the attention of producer Frank Farian, the mastermind of the infamous 1980s duo Milli Vanilli. Farian took her under his wing, teaming her with rapper Lane McCray in the duo La Bouche, which is French for "The Mouth".
La Bouche went on to become one of the biggest Eurodance groups of the 1990s, with a string of hits, worldwide.
They released two studio albums "Sweet Dreams" and "S.O.S.", with "A Moment of Love" being the European version of "S.O.S.", the remix album "All Mixed Up" followed by a string of hits like "Sweet Dreams (Ola Ola E)", "Be My Lover", "Fallin' in Love", "I Love to Love", "Bolingo (Love is in the Air)", "You Won't Forget Me" or "S.O.S." In February 19
99, she would leave La Bouche to be replaced by Natascha Wright as the new front-woman.
Next to La Bouche, Thornton continued providing guest vocals on singles such as Orange Blue's "Sunshine of My Life" and "Runaway", 100%'s "The Way It Is" and on Le Click's U.S. chart debut "Tonight is the Night" in 1995.
Education
Details on Melanie Thornton's educational background are somewhat sparse. It is known that she had a passion for music from a young age and pursued her dream by developing her talent. While specifics regarding her formal education are not well-documented, it is clear that her dedication to her craft led her to success in the competitive music industry.
Inspired by singers whom she idolized and grew up listening to such as Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, Thornton would mimic the female vocalists she watched on television and/or heard on radio. Later on, she financed her college studies with appearances in talent shows and smaller band concerts.
Throughout that period, she frequented a club called The Peacock Lounge, getting up and doing jam sessions when the live band invited people up to sing.
