1985年開始演奏於 Los Angeles 各地方, 至1987年9月的一次演出於 Pope John Paul II 到訪, 他以一曲 "Never Be The Same" 令至教宗離座走向前給他擁抱祝福, 跟他說: "My wish to you, is to continue of giving [sic] this hope to all, all the people,"
[sic] \’sik\ adverb [Latin] (circa 1859): intentionally so written — used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is exactly as printed or to reproduce an original statement (Ex. "I done seed [sic] it all with my own two eyes," Tom said.).
他得到教宗的感召後, 開始其宗教傳道演唱, 至2005年其樂隊 "Tony Meléndez and the Toe Jam Band" 不停地向公眾以鼓勵、激舞的演唱及寫作, 以此行動宣揚反對墮胎及積極面對人生的運動。
Awards and recognition
Meléndez has won Unity Awards Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA in 2000, 2002, and 2004, and. In 2002, he took Artist of the year. He received the Branson Entertainment Award for Best New Artist in 1999, the "Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at the Super Bowl XXIII and has received special commendations from the State of California for his work with young people and from President Reagan, regarding Tony "as a positive role model for America".
Special Commendation from President Reagan — As A Positive Role Model for America
Special Commendation from State of California - For Work with Young People
Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Super Bowl XXIII in Miami
Branson Entertainment Awards – Best New Artist (1999)
Unity Awards — Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2000)
Unity Awards — Artist of the Year UCMVA (2002)
Unity Awards — Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2002)
Unity Awards — Male Vocalist of the Year UCMVA (2004)