John Michael Tonos, Jr. (who taught me you don't have to dress like a goob to be one) Alan-a-Dale, Gene Autrey, John Prine, Steve Goodman, Lee H. Abraham, Jr., Larry D. Davis, the Reets, the Gants, the Tangents, the Uniques, and the girls who dance real sexy up close to the bandstand.
Sounds Like
Some have compared Mel's voice to that of Jimmy Buffett and his song writing style to that of John Prine. Take a listen and decide for yourself.
Melvin Hurley McFatter was born November 16, 1949, in Port Gibson, MS. He began playing guitar at age 15. In 1967 he graduated from Port Gibson High School. In 1971 he graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor of arts degree. In 1974 he graduated 3rd in his class of 123 from the University of Mississippi School of Law. While in law school he began playing the harmonica. 1974-1977 Mel was on active duty in the JAG Corp of the United States Navy. In November of 1976 while he was home on leave hunting deer Mel fell from a tree and broke his back. He was honorably discharged from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant (O-3). Mel has practiced law as a solo practitioner in Port Gibson, MS since 1977. In 1979 Mel joined the legendary Coonbox Band as harmonica player and back up vocalist. In 1981 he struck out on his own as Lonesome Mel. During the 1980's Mel teamed up briefly with the now legendary Eric Hamilton in the short-lived bands, Cabin Fever and Garage Mirage. In 1990 he played Paris in Cornerstone Theater's musical version of Romeo and Juliet which ran for 3 weeks at the Trace Theater in Port Gibson and starred Amy Brenneman (who later had her own network TV series, Judging Amy). In 1998 he released his CD of all original songs, Lonesome Mel-Bayou Logical. A song from this CD, Rat Tooth Cowboy, written by Lee H. Abraham, Larry Davis and Mel, was performed on network TV on the Jenny Jones show by the Eric Hamilton Band. Another song from this CD, The Marriage and/or Divorce Song was played on international radio, the gong show segment of the John Boy and Billy Big Show. His band, Lonesome Mel and the Warrington Road Warblers, has played an annual gig the last weekend in March on Isabelle Person's front porch in Port Gibson for over 20 years. Mel is currently performing with Mary Mac Drake as Lonesome Mel & Mary Mac and with Mary Mac, Brian and Kevin Hindman and Tony Clark as Lonesome Mel, Mary Mac & the Cherokee Air Force.
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Hey, hope you're having a great Christmas. I don't go back to work 'till Jan.5. We make auto parts, so it's a up and down business. If there is ever another reunion, hope someone lets me know. I can't always get away, but i'd like to....
Lonesome Mel is a Mississippi treasure, able to capture the essence of the South with meloncholy accuracy. Keep it up Mel! Your Friend and Fan, e.hamilton
I will probably be here for Easter...will let you know as it gets closer. Alan & Trey saw y'all at Backroads a couple of weeks ago. Am planning on coming up for Heritage Fest. See ya soon!
Yo Melv!!!! I've been chillin to your music for a while. I love it!!!! I hope ya'll get a gig again up here in Oxford. You should come up for a week and practice with the twins the entire time!!!!! We'll party too!! PEACE OUT.
Hey Mel! I know we can get a gig at Two Stick here in Oxford. I bet it'll be easy. And may be Parrish's. Let me know when you want to come up for a week.
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