Died On This Date (February 23, 2012) Mike Melvoin / Jazz Pianist; Studio Session Legend
themusicsover Mike Melvoin
May 10, 1937 – February 23, 2012
Mike Melvoin was a much-respected jazz pianist whose talent can be heard on countless records by some of the biggest names in music. Since 1961, Melvoin graced recordings by such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Tom Waits, Peggy Lee, Michael Jackson, and Charlie Haden. As one of L.A.’s leading session players, it was Melvoin who got the call to play on such landmark recordings as the Jackson 5’s “ABC,” the Beach Boy’s “Good Vibrations,” Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable,” Barbra Streisand’s “Evergreen,” and John Lennon’s “Stand By Me.” He released several albums of his own as well, on such respected labels as Verve, Dot, and Liberty. Melvoin also found time to raise his own family of respected musicians – Wendy Melvoin of Wendy & Lisa, Jonathan Melvoin of Smashing Pumpkins fame, and Susannah Melvoin. Mike Melvoin was 74 when he died of cancer on February 23, 2012.
Thanks Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Mark Tulin is best remembered as the bassist for influential ’60s garage psych band, the Electric Prunes. Formed in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California in 1965, the band churned out several era-defining songs including “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night,” “Get Me To The World On Time,” and “Kyrie Eleison/Mardi Gras (When the Saints),” which was prominently featured in the iconic film, Easy Rider. Tulin was active in the group from its inception until 1968 and then for a reunited configuration from 2001 until his passing. In 2009, he was asked by Billy Corgan to join Smashing Pumpkins, first in the studio for the recording of Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, and later to fill in on a few live dates. Tulin also joined Corgan in his 
Jonathan Melvoin was a keyboard player who worked with such artists as the Dickies, Prince, Wendy & Lisa, and the Smashing Pumpkins. The “Wendy” of Wendy & Lisa was in fact, his sister, Wendy Melvoin. In late 1995, Melvoin joined up with Smashing Pumpkins to lend his talent while on the road to support their brilliant Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness album, but previous incidents with heroin cut his tenure short when the band fired him. It was while he was finishing up that leg of the tour that Melvoin overdosed on heroin in his hotel room. It has been reported that then-Pumpkins drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin was in the room with him and tried to revive him after calling 911. His efforts failed and Jonathan Melvoin died on July 12, 1996 at the age of 34. His death reportedly inspired a few songs, including Sarah McLachlan’s hit, “Angel.”
Sky Saxon began his musical career as a doo-wop singer in the early ’60s. While living in San Francisco in 1965, Saxon formed the Seeds, a psychedelic garage rock band that would eventually reach cult status. Though never considered a great vocalist in the traditional sense, Saxon and his band had hits with “Can’t Seem To Make Me Mine” and “Pushin’ To Hard” which was later covered by the Monkees. In recent years, Saxon teamed up with Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins for some new recordings while appearing in the Pumpkins’ video for “Superchrist.” Saxon died of what is suspected to be an infection of his internal organs. No actual cause of death has been released.
Lee Freeman is best remembered as a founding guitarist and co-lead singer for ’60s psychedelic rock band, Strawberry Alarm Clock. Formed in Glendale, California in 1967, the band scored a handful of charting hits, including their biggest, “Incense and Peppermints.” Freeman was still in high school when, in 1965, he co-founded and sang lead for local garage band, Thee Sixpence. Within a couple of years, the group evolved into Strawberry Alarm Clock, a name chosen to pay tribute to the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever.” “Incense and Peppermints” took a bit longer than most singles to become popular, but by the time it did, it propelled the group’s debut album to #11 on the Billboard charts. It ended up being their only album to chart. Over the next couple of years, they shared the bill with the likes of the Who, Country Joe & The Fish, the Beach Boys, and 