Mike Melvoin
Mike Melvoin was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He served as chairman and president of The Recording Academy and worked as a prolific studio musician, recording with Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, The Jackson 5, Natalie Cole, and The Beach Boys. Melvoin was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for "All or Nothing at All" from his album It's Always You.
Biography
Melvoin was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and began playing the piano at the age of three. Melvoin, whose original family name was Mehlworm, was Jewish. He studied English at Dartmouth College, where he was a member of Sigma Nu. Upon graduating from Dartmouth in 1959, Melvoin decided to pursue a career in music. For a time he lived in NYC working as a pianist with top Latin bandleaders like Tito Puente and Machito as well as doing studio work. After moving to Los Angeles in 1961, he played with Frank Rosolino, Leroy Vinnegar, Gerald Wilson, Paul Horn, Terry Gibbs, Joe Williams, Peggy Lee and others. He released his debut album as a bandleader, Keys to Your Mind, in 1966 on Liberty Records. Melvoin played in clubs in Los Angeles, and accompanied singer Bill Henderson and played with Herb Ellis and Plas Johnson on Concord Jazz releases.Melvoin worked extensively as a studio musician and was part of The [Wrecking Crew (music)|The Wrecking Crew], performing on the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Frank Sinatra's That's Life, the Jackson 5's ABC, John Lennon's "Stand by Me", Tom Waits' Nighthawks at the Diner, and Barbra Streisand's "Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)". He worked in the early 1970s as a music director on The Partridge Family recordings, often playing keyboard, and also began composing for film and television including contributing scores to Fame and MacGyver.
His children, Wendy, Susannah and Jonathan all became professional musicians.
Melvoin was the first active musician to serve as the head of NARAS. When NARAS introduced category changes to the Grammys in 2011, which eliminated recognition for instrumental session musicians, he opposed them.
Melvoin died in Burbank, California, on February 22, 2012, of cancer, at age 74.
Discography
As leader
Keys to Your Mind Between the Two The Plastic Cow Goes Moooooog Redeye The Capitol Sessions Oh Baby It's Always You Like Jazz Playing the Word- ''You Know''
As backing musician
With Judy CollinsWho Knows Where the Time GoesWith Stan GetzChildren of [the World (Stan Getz album)|Children of the World]
With Thelma HoustonI've Got the [Music in Me (album)|I've Got the Music in Me]
With Lucio BattistiIo tu noi tutti
With José FelicianoSouled 10 to 23 And the Feeling's Good Ya Soy Tuyo
With Milt JacksonMemphis Jackson
With Quincy JonesThe Hot Rock OST
With Peggy LeeI'm a Woman Mirrors
With Helen ReddyEar Candy
With Natalie ColeUnforgettable... with Love Take a Look
With Michael BubléMichael Bublé Call Me Irresponsible
With Oliver NelsonSound Pieces
With Johnny RiversLast Boogie In Paris New Lovers and Old Friends Wild Night Outside Help
With Tim BuckleyLook at the Fool
With Joe PassGuitar Interludes
With Barbra StreisandThe Movie Album
With Kenny RogersTimepiece
With Boz ScaggsSlow Dancer
With Rock FlowersRock Flowers Naturally
With Barry ManilowManilow Sings Sinatra
With Donovan7-Tease
With Lalo SchifrinMusic from Mission: Impossible More Mission: Impossible Mannix Bullitt (soundtrack) Rock Requiem Gypsies
With Juice NewtonJuice Newton & Silver Spur
With Bud ShankBud Shank Plays Music from Today's Movies
With Gábor SzabóLight My Fire with Bob ThieleWind, Sky and Diamonds 1969
With Leroy VinnegarLeroy Walks Again!! Jazz's Great Walker
With Tom WaitsThe Heart of Saturday Night Nighthawks at the Diner
With Paul Anka
- ''The Music Man''