Local jazz luminary Melvin dies at 63

George Melvin, known for his piano, organ and keyboard work in jazz, blues, gospel and more, died Thursday. He was 63.

Melvin, who would have turned 64 on May 23, had battled type 2 diabetes and its complications for years, including kidney failure, infections and, most recently, fluid collecting around his heart.

Melvin, a Lynchburg native, first learned to play piano as a child by overhearing his sister’s piano lessons and later recreating what he’d heard on the keyboard. He studied Hammond B-3 organ with Richard “Groove” Holmes and became a professional musician at age 18, playing organ in nationally and internationally known rhythm and blues groups, including the Moments and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

Locally, he performed as a solo artist, in the jazz quartet Blue Indigo and in his own organ jazz quartet. In late 2008, Melvin was the unanimous choice for the Charlottesville Jazz Society’s inaugural jazz award.

He brought his own Hammond B-3 organ — Miss Lucy, named for the elderly New Orleans healer who got the ankle he sprained one afternoon back into playing shape in time for an evening concert — to gigs of all sizes and genres. He was known for his piano jazz at a variety of local venues over the years, including Fossett’s and the Boar’s Head Inn, and for his regular Monday night gig at South Street Brewery.

At home in genres ranging from church music to country, he performed with Pearl Bailey, Al Hirt, Dean Martin, Miles Davis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Teddy Pendergrass, Charlie Daniels and other stars.

Melvin played many benefit concerts to help a variety of causes, and the music community returned the favor Nov. 7, gathering at Fry’s Spring Beach Club to present “Jazz-In for George,” a benefit concert to help defray mounting medical expenses.

Jazz clarinetist Dave Kannensohn recalled Friday how much fun it had been to hear Melvin perform with a spirited mix of musicians at his 90th birthday party. Kannensohn’s 95th birthday is just weeks away, and “I was counting on him being there,” Kannensohn said.

“There are going to be a lot of sad people,” Kannensohn said. “You can’t say enough nice things about George. Everybody loved him.”

Kannensohn and Melvin had been friends for years and often performed together at Melvin’s home. They especially relished playing jazz styles from the 1930s and ’40s, Kannensohn said.

“George and I were very good friends. I did a lot of recording with him,” Kannensohn said. “I have a son George’s age, and his father was my age.”

Alonzo Minor, chaplain of Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, fondly recalled Melvin as a humble musician who generously shared the spotlight, shared what he knew with younger musicians and gave amateurs a chance to reach for musical dreams.

“He was just a lovable guy,” Minor said Friday. “He had a big heart, and he used his gifts and talents to help other people. He was a person who expressed his love for God.”

Younger musicians often sought Melvin out to learn how to transpose music, Minor said.

Melvin also spent hours at the keyboard while aspiring musicians sang, often recording the sessions so the singer could have a keepsake, Minor said. “He would record. It went past just singing with him at his sessions,” Minor said.

Melvin’s CDs include “Love Notes,” “Reflections,” “Smooth,” “It’s Very Clear,” “Live from the Boar’s Head Inn” and the Blue Indigo album “Catwalk.”

His survivors include his wife, Alfreda, and their children. Funeral arrangements are pending.