Former B. B. King bassist Melvin Lee Green Passes in Memphis
Melvin Lee (far left) performs with Earl the Pearl and the Peoples of the Blues at the Southern Hot Wings Festival on South Main in Memphis
(Memphis, Tennessee) It is with great sadness that we report the passing of a very dear friend and colleague, indubitably one of the world’s finest Blues musicians. Melvin Lee Green, brother of the famous Dr. Herman Green, has succumbed to heart disease. Melvin Lee was one of the kindest and friendliest men to walk to his planet and his classic Blues bass playing was known throughout the world.
I received this late yesterday from I 55 artist, engineer, songwriter and guitarist, Brad Webb:
Brad Webb
B.B. King, Herman Green, Melvin Lee Green perform at at early Handy Awards
As a younger man who thirsted for experience with older seasoned players, you can imagine my excitement and trepidation when actually given the opportunity to play on stage alongside such incredibly talented players as Melvin Lee. Likewise, imagine my relief at being not only accepted but also befriended, welcomed and mentored by this wonderful gentleman. There have been fewer more gratifying moments in life than playing on Beale Street or a big stage alongside the great Melvin Lee.
Melvin Lee Green at the gig with the author
Some readers may not understand the profundity of Melvin Lee Green’s passing, but it is his hallmark bass that has been heard at so many clubs, concerts and records throughout the years. It was his ever present smile, the joy you saw on his face every single time he performed. He was as skilled and as soulful a musician as has ever lived and those who were fortunate enough to hear him and meet him should consider themselves blessed among men. Hanging out with Melvin Lee and asking questions about the past was always fascinating. He was a staggeringly good, classic Memphis bassist who despite his years continued to perform at great old jukes like Wild Bill’s.
Earl the Pearl and Melvin relax between sets
Years ago, when I toured Europe I was often asked about Melvin Lee from Blues fans who knew him and his music and loved that great sound. Truly, everyone who ever met him just adored Melvin Lee. His laugh was infectious and his smile and cheer were so heartfelt that you could not help but admire him and his music.
A few years ago after I recovered from a heart attack, Melvin looked me up and told me how glad he was to see me alive. He told me, “Oh, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. You know, I had a heart attack, a little light one, about fifteen years ago.” That was Melvin Lee, always positive, comforting and concerned for his friends and loved ones. He was a role model for us all.
Here’s a link to an article I wrote about Earl the Pearl and the Peoples of the Blues, a band which Melvin and the author performed: http://www.ameriblues.com/2010/09/06/earl-the-pearl-and-the-peoples-of-the-blues-and-more-by-robert-nighthawk-tooms/
Melvin Lee Green and the author
When I recall first playing keys with Earl the Pearl, we often used Howard Grimes, the Hi Rhythm Section drummer who accompanied Al Green, Otis Clay and so many other Blues greats. Also on the bandstand was Melvin Lee, who was always cheerful, meeting everyone with a hearty handshake, a hug and a smile. I recall that at the time Melvin was playing bass through a tiny bass amp which he played at full volume. It was a truly incredible sound, a tone which was at once flowing, forceful and explosive with sweet distortion. Melvin played the same bass, an ancient white Fender which he bought new back in the 60′s. He almost always played that very bass (although he is pictured above playing a Gibson bass) and it’s growling low notes became synonymous with the great Memphis Blues bass sound. He was truly untouchable. I don’t think that any human being could improve on his bass sound and the drive it gave to so many thousands of great performances.
As musicians and Blues fans, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the stalwart of the Memphis Blues bass, Melvin Lee Green. He was a musician’s musician, a true blue friend, and a righteous example of the soul and joy that Memphis music has brought to the world. Despite my sorrow today, I feel fortunate that when I last saw Melvin Lee I told my friend that I loved him when we parted. Melvin Lee Green was one of the great unheralded musical treasure of this city and this world. Memphis has lost one of it’s greatest this day.
Melvin Lee Green and Billy Lavender at the 2011 Blues Music Awards in Memphis
Copyright, Robert “Nighthawk” Tooms, 2012
