Mel became a special friend to those who went on SoultripUSA 2009 to Chicago/Detroit. As the promoters of the event, we secretly arranged to pick up Mel from a motorway services near his home in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Mel accompanied us to Hitsville USA and spent time chatting with most of us including Frances Nero and Dennis Coffey.
Following a lunch and entertainment from the Capitols and others at Memphis Smoke, Detroit, he was amazed at the response as we ended the afternoon with his epic song. We dropped Mel back at the services to be collected by taxi. His words 'I know I will never see you again, but thanks for everything' will stay with us forever.
Sheila Lazenby from Rotherham will be particularly upset, as she sat with him during the coach journey. Dave Raistrick, Donna Dean, Dave Moore, Dave Ferguson and Steve Gainey are amongst those who helped during the day and on their return.
Mel was discovered in his homestate of Indiana by Donny Hathaway. Following a short stint with The Visitors in 1969/70, Robert Lee signed him to FIP. In 1972 with Tom Washington whereby he recorded 'She'll Come Running Back'. A track discovered in 1974 by Ian Levine, who in turn must be credited for finding him in 1999 for his SWONS project.
My own memory of the man was during a brief chat on the coach, he mentioned his best friend was the late Wade Flemmons, who used to live closeby. I mentioned 'Jeanette' among others, with MB announcing he was at the recording session! Not only that, Jeanette(Hutchinson) of the Emotions was Wade's girlfriend.
Special times, special people, a VERY SPECIAL MAN.
Kev and Sam @ Goldsoul