Melody Gardot is an American musician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. She was disabled at 19, after being struck by a car while atop her bicycle. This event, though tragic, led to her recognition as a remarkable musician.

Her musical beginning was prompted by a tending physician who was concerned with her cognitive impairment as a result of head injury sustained in the accident. He believed music would help her brain injury drastically improve, as it has been known to show remarkable results in improving people's cognitive ability after such trauma. Music can help by rebuilding the pathways within the brain which are necessary for recalling data. (Specifically in the areas of Memory, Calculating Data, Executive Functioning Skills, etc.)

Following her doctor's suggestion, Melody Gardot made recordings bedside, while still unable to walk, and eventually released the works as an EP titled "Some Lessons: The Bedroom Sessions". Gardot's desire to be well, combined with a bit of luck, brought her to the attention of a local radio DJ at the AAA station WXPN. (Known for launching the careers of artists such as Amos Lee and Norah Jones) She quickly gained notoriety as "a singer/songwriter phenom", both for her stunning music as well as her remarkable courage despite her afflictions.