Mike Melvoin

Mike Melvoin (May 10, 1937 – February 22, 2012) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger.

He served as chairman and president of The Recording Academy and worked as a prolific studio musician, recording with Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, The Jackson 5, Natalie Cole, and The Beach Boys.

Upon graduating from Dartmouth in 1959, Melvoin decided to pursue a career in music.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1961, he played with Frank Rosolino, Leroy Vinnegar, Gerald Wilson, Paul Horn, Terry Gibbs, Joe Williams, Peggy Lee and others.

He released his debut album as a bandleader, Keys to Your Mind, in 1966 on Liberty Records.

Melvoin played in clubs in Los Angeles, and accompanied singer Bill Henderson and played with Herb Ellis and Plas Johnson on Concord Jazz releases.

Melvoin worked extensively as a studio musician and was part of The Wrecking Crew, performing on the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (1966), Frank Sinatra's That's Life (1966), the Jackson 5's ABC (1970), John Lennon's "Stand by Me" (1975), Tom Waits' Nighthawks at the Diner (1975), and Barbra Streisand's "Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)" (1976).

He worked in the early 1970s as a music director on The Partridge Family recordings, often playing keyboard, and also began composing for film and television including contributing scores to Fame and MacGyver.

His children, Wendy (of Prince's band The Revolution, and later of Wendy & Lisa), Susannah and Jonathan all became professional musicians.

Melvoin was the first active musician to serve as the head of NARAS.

Melvoin was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for "All or Nothing at All" from his album It's Always You.

Melvoin was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and began playing the piano at the age of three.

Melvoin, whose original family name was Mehlworm, was Jewish.

He studied English at Dartmouth College, where he was a member of Sigma Nu.

When NARAS introduced category changes to the Grammys in 2011, he opposed them.

Melvoin died in Burbank, California, on February 22, 2012, of cancer, at age 74.

With Judy Collins

With Stan Getz

With Thelma Houston

With Lucio Battisti

With José Feliciano

With Milt Jackson

With Quincy Jones

With Peggy Lee

With Helen Reddy

With Natalie Cole

With Michael Bublé

With Oliver Nelson

With Johnny Rivers

With Tim Buckley

With Joe Pass

With Barbra Streisand

With Kenny Rogers

With Boz Scaggs

With Rock Flowers

With Barry Manilow

With Donovan

With Lalo Schifrin

With Juice Newton

With Bud Shank