Melissa Etheridge gives a backstage tour of her traveling guitar collection

Rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge shows the NewsHour’s Gwen Ifill her extensive collection of guitars and tells the story behind a few special instruments.

It’s been a big year for Melissa Etheridge, personally and professionally. She got married to Hollywood producer Linda Wallem and shook up her 35-year music career by founding her own record label. The 53-year-old rocker released her 14th album “This is M.E.”

The Kansas-born Etheridge sat down with Gwen Ifill recently to talk about changing with the musical times while not changing what her fans value most: her distinctive triple threat of songwriting, singing and acoustic guitar playing.

“I still believe in the art form of the album, that I want to spend, you know, 45 minutes with someone. I want to listen to it. I want to be on their drive from here to there,” Etheridge said. “I want them to have it in the car and share that time with me.”

Before getting down to business, Etheridge showed Gwen her extensive collection of guitars, including her favorite guitar and one she bought at a Los Angeles flea market for just a few dollars.

Tune in to tonight’s broadcast of the PBS NewsHour to see Gwen’s conversation with Melissa Etheridge. You can watch on our Ustream channel at 6 p.m. EST or check your local listings.