Melvin was one of the first southers old timers I ever heard back in Glenville W.V. in the 1970's. Anyone who heard and saw him play was immediately struck by the rythmic power and style, and great tunes that he played. I was fortunate to hear him play again at Clifftop this past summer. My friends Erynn Marshall and Chris Coole become good friends with Melvin and visited him often. His repetoire will fortunately be carried on by a good number of great young musicians.