I don't know if I should admit this or not, but I was rather surprised to learn that there actually WAS a Mel Bay! His name has grown so familiar to me over the decades that I suppose he sort of assumed myth-status, like Aunt Jemima or Betty Crocker. He certainly did the world a service by making so much material and information available to the general public without being off-puttingly arcane about the workings of music. His books always left you with the feeling that you too could have a go, and encouraged you to try. What better attitude as an approach to music, especially for kids? My first guitar book was a Mel Bay, and OK, I never did turn into Dan Crary but it started me out on a new instrument which enriched my life. This is what I will remember when I think of his name. May he rest in peace.