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.
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.”