Coleman Mellett facts for kids
Coleman Mellett (born May 27, 1974 – died February 12, 2009) was a talented American jazz guitarist. He was a member of the famous musician Chuck Mangione's band. Sadly, he passed away in a plane accident while traveling for a concert.
Who Was Coleman Mellett?
Coleman Mellett was a skilled musician who played the guitar, specializing in jazz music. Jazz is a unique style of music known for its improvisation and swing rhythms. He was born in 1974 and grew up to become a respected guitarist.
His Musical Journey
Coleman Mellett joined Chuck Mangione's band in 1999. Chuck Mangione is a well-known jazz flugelhorn player and composer. As a guitarist in the band, Coleman helped create the music's sound. He was scheduled to perform with Chuck Mangione and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on February 13, 2009.
His Family Life
Coleman Mellett lived in East Brunswick Township, New Jersey. He was married to Jeanie Bryson, who is also a jazz singer. Jeanie Bryson's father was the legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. This means Coleman was part of a very musical family!
A Tragic Day
On February 12, 2009, Coleman Mellett was traveling for the concert with Chuck Mangione. He was on Colgan Air Flight 3407. Tragically, the plane crashed, and Coleman Mellett passed away. Another band member, Gerry Niewood, also passed away in the same accident. This was a very sad loss for the music world.
His Legacy
Even after his passing, Coleman Mellett's music and life are remembered. A documentary film was made about him. This film won the Best Documentary Film award at the 2019 New Jersey International Film Festival. This shows how much his talent and contributions were valued.
