Night School #197: Mel Brown

Happy Mel Brown Day! To celebrate, I’m delighted to have the man himself join me in studio this evening. If you know Mel’s work, then you know it’s an endless labyrinth of accolades. As a session man at Motown, he played with Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. He toured w/ The Temptations and Diana Ross. He ’s even worked with The Beatles! Additionally, the mayor of Portland has given him his own day not once…but twice. Literally, there are lifetimes worth of music in this man.

But not only does Mel Brown represent that of a famed jazz drummer, but one whose work rests on the shoulders of the Albina musicians who came before. At an early age, he was mentored by key players on Williams Avenue. And after spending most of his 20s jet-setting with the majors, he came back to Portland to work within the community. As a teacher, drum shop proprietor, and mentor himself, Mel Brown has shared his gift with Portlanders over the past five decades in town. He’ll even do your taxes! Please join me this evening as we dedicate an hour of programming to recognize Mel Brown.