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Mel London

 


Songwriter, record producer and record label owner Melvin R. "Mel" London was born in Mississippi on 9 April 1932. He migrated to Chicago. In 1954 his song "Poison Ivy" recorded by Willie Mabon was a major success reaching no.7 on the R&B chart. In 1955 he had three hits including "Mannish Boy". He launched Chief Records in 1957. Unfortunately the Chief label experienced financial difficulties and folded in 1964.

Mel London died on 16 May 1975 in Chicago, Illinois, age 43, from cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of 48 songwriting credits and produced around 80 singles by some 37 artists.

Image: Public Domain.

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