There is just something cool about a musician who really respects the music—and that’s Melvin all day. Known simply as Melly in the industry, he’s all about locking in with the artist’s sound first, then adding that live groove without ever stealing the spotlight. He’s the kind of drummer who just gets it.

Melly began studying the snare drum at the age of nine in his hometown of Waukegan, IL.. Years later, he would receive a full music scholarship to the University of North Alabama (U.N.A) where he obtained dual degrees in Management and Marketing. While at U.N.A., Melly participated in the marching band, concert band, percussion ensemble and most importantly jazz ensemble. This is when he became serious about set playing. Since graduating from U.N.A., Melly has worked nonstop to become the rock solid timekeeper that he is today.

Now making his home in the metro Atlanta area, Melly is currently touring with R&B Superwoman – Karyn White where he serves as musical director. Melly also tours with R&B artists Johnny Gill and Bobby Brown, soloists and members of the R&B Super-Group, New Edition; but his resume does not stop there. Mel has toured and shared the stage with the following artists: Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Usher, Mary J. Blige, New Edition, Bell Biv Devoe (BBD), Boyz II Men, After7, EnVogue, Keith Sweat, Eric Essix, The Indigo Girls, The S.O.S Band, Toni Redd, Dionne Farris, and Pop Sensation Justin Bieber to name a few. He has appeared in several music videos and can be heard on a host of recording and movie soundtracks. His resume also includes appearances on television shows such as The Today Show, Saturday Night Live, The View, The Tonight Show, as well as The Oprah Winfrey show.

Melly’s touring performances have taken him to seven continents and hundreds of countries around the world. But what he is most proud of are his accomplishments more closely to home. In 2016, he was included and featured in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame as an accomplished drummer. Melly was honored and humbled with being able to return to U.N.A. as a guest performer with the UNA Jazz ensemble at the 2017 President’s Spring Concert.

When Melly is not touring, he can be found at Mimison, his personal recording studio, where he spends time producing and engineering other artists. He also utilizes his business and management degrees as the owner of The Finest Entertainment, LLC.