[1] Melesse was born in Gojjam, a province in northern Ethiopia now a Zonal Administration in the Amhara regional state.

His first song on vinyl was Hedetch Alu, which was recorded in 1972 by Girma Bèyènè (piano and arrangements), Tesfa Mariam Kidane (tenor sax), Tekle Adhanonm (guitar), Fekade Amde Meskel (bass), Tesfay Mekonnen (drums) and Melesse himself.

While the rest of the band emigrated to the United States of America, Melesse remained to join the Pentecostal Church in the 1980s, having ended his musical career.

Melesse was supposedly repeatedly approached to return to his secular music roots but his refusal remained steadfast.

Famous songs by Melesse include "Menew Kerefede", "Yeregeme Lebe", "Lebo Ney", "Kumetish Loga New", "Wedijesh Nebere" and "Tenesh Kelbe Lay".