Scanning Mike Melvoin‘s arranger and accompanist credits in his L. A. Times obituary, you discover he must have been Hollywood’s first-choice pianist for half a century. Beach Boys apart, just count the hits: Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable” the Jackson 5?s “ABC,” and “Pet Sounds” Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” John Lennon’s “Stand By Me” [.
read more
Frank Foster, the saxophonist who did arrangements for Sinatra and doubled with flautist Frank Wess in a number called Two Franks, is gone at 82. His best-known number was Shiny Stockings. Hear it here. Obit here. More than anyone, ... Read Post
There are plenty of good vibrations surrounding The Beach Boys as they gear up for a reunion performance at the Grammys on Sunday. The group hasn't performed together live in more than two decades, but Mike Love and Brian Wilson tol... Read Post
Frederick M. Brown, Getty Mike Melvoin, an acclaimed composer and pianist who worked with popular artists ranging from Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson and the Beach Boys, died Wednesday in Burbank, Calif. from cancer.... Read Post