Gift of Hope: Tony Melendez Story

Gift of Hope: Tony Melendez Story


Starring:Tony Melendez
Studio: Vision Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
Although he has no arms, his spirit soars, inspiring others with his music and his courage. Tony Meléndez may have been born without arms, but that hasn't stopped him from enjoying life to the fullest. Tony was born with this birth defect in 1962 as a result of his mother's taking the prescription drug, Thalidomide.

Today he is known around the world for playing the guitar with his feet. He was thrown into the limelight when he performed before Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1987. Visibly moved by Tony's performance, the Pope rushed into the audience to embrace him. In this program we meet Tony and see him perform in many locations. After hearing his inspiring story, you'll understand why he has appeared on numerous television shows including "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "The 700 Club," and many more. He has also received several awards including the Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Superbowl XXIII in Miami and the Branson Entertainment Award for the Best New Artist in 1999. Tony is a powerful speaker and is frequently invited to give presentations to young people on drug abuse, the importance of self-esteem, disability awareness, cultural awareness and family support. Tony's inspiring story will challenge viewers to embrace life and give hope to those in need. This DVD includes new footage showing Tony's life and ministry today.
Gift of Hope: Tony Melendez Story
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • you'll" never be the same"
  • Gifted Musician & Inspiring Story
  • disabled musician
 Gift of Hope: Tony Melendez Story
Starring: Tony Melendez
Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007R9ODK
Release Date: 2005-02-07

Description

Although he has no arms, his spirit soars, inspiring others with his music and his courage. Tony Meléndez may have been born without arms, but that hasn't stopped him from enjoying life to the fullest. Tony was born with this birth defect in 1962 as a result of his mother's taking the prescription drug, Thalidomide.

Today he is known around the world for playing the guitar with his feet. He was thrown into the limelight when he performed before Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1987. Visibly moved by Tony's performance, the Pope rushed into the audience to embrace him. In this program we meet Tony and see him perform in many locations. After hearing his inspiring story, you'll understand why he has appeared on numerous television shows including "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "The 700 Club," and many more. He has also received several awards including the Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Superbowl XXIII in Miami and the Branson Entertainment Award for the Best New Artist in 1999. Tony is a powerful speaker and is frequently invited to give presentations to young people on drug abuse, the importance of self-esteem, disability awareness, cultural awareness and family support. Tony's inspiring story will challenge viewers to embrace life and give hope to those in need. This DVD includes new footage showing Tony's life and ministry today.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars you'll" never be the same".......2005-09-14

In a culture that is so self absorbed with external appearance we see through this DVD that character is truly what make a person outstanding. After viewing you will "never be the same" (a song on the DVD)its encouraging , inspiring and humbling leaving us with little excuse for failure. Thank God for Tony

5 out of 5 stars Gifted Musician & Inspiring Story.......2005-08-23

Tony Melendez was one of my favourite Christian artists/performers in the late 80's and early 90's. I first saw Mr. Melendez perform on television, and I was amazed to see him play the 12-string guitar with his feet with such proficiency and also that he sang so beautifully. I went out and bought his albums right away and also read his biography. I also used his music when I signed songs in church years ago, and people always commented on how beautiful his singing was. The symbolism of using my hands to express Tony's music was not lost on me, and I hope that he would be happy to hear that his music was used in that kind of ministry. I disagree with the other reviewer because I believe Tony Melendez is an inspiration to many people not just those with disabilities. He was born with no arms because his mother took Thalidomide during her pregnancy, but he never let his disability hold him back. He is a tremendous PERFORMER who has a disability and not the other way around. He achieved wider fame after he performed in 1987 for Pope John Paul II who was so overcome that he leaped off a 4-foot stage to embrace him. As a devout Catholic Christian, it is not surprising that his faith is presented in this documentary. With his faith being such an integral part of his life, it would be impossible to talk about Tony without mentioning how God gifted and transformed his life. His is truly a story of how God can bring good out of any difficult situation. I am glad to hear that Tony Melendez is continuing his music ministry as I haven't heard anything about him for quite a while.

2 out of 5 stars disabled musician.......2005-06-05

This documentary focuses upon a Central American guy who plays guitar with his toes because he has no arms. The late Pope kissed him after he performed for him in 1987.

Tony Melendez follows in a long line of performers of color with disabilities: Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jose Feliciano, etc. Just as they say lacking one sense makes the others stronger, Mr. Melendez plays with his feet since he has no hands for performance. His disability was caused by a drug that I am certain is no longer produced. Thus, I don't know if there are other armless musicians who can see him as a role model. Still, this was heartening.

For the Catholic faithful, seeing the Pope in his prime may take attention away from Mr. Melendez. This documentary was very churchy. Most of it deals with one performance in a church. For non-religious people, the churchiness may be a big turnoff of this documentary.

The term documentary should be used loosely here. This work was 80% performance, and 20% interviews. It does not delve as deep as I am sure that some viewers may want. This will be a useful DVD for some viewers, artists, and people facing disability.

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