Mel Walker (musician) facts for kids

Melvin Lightsy (born November 3, 1928 – died April 23, 1964), known professionally as Mel Walker, was an American R&B singer. He became famous in the early 1950s as the main male singer for the Johnny Otis Orchestra.

Who Was Mel Walker?

Melvin Lightsy, who later became known as Mel Walker, was born in Bloomburg, Texas. When he was young, his family moved to Los Angeles, California. This is where he grew up and went to school.

Early Life and Music

Mel Walker attended Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. Another famous musician, Floyd Dixon, also went to school there. In 1949, a well-known bandleader named Johnny Otis discovered Mel Walker's talent.

Singing with Johnny Otis

After being discovered, Mel Walker joined Johnny Otis's band. He sang with the Johnny Otis Orchestra until about 1953. During this time, he often sang duets with another talented singer named Little Esther. He also recorded music with a group called The Robins.

Mel Walker was the lead singer on many of Johnny Otis's first and biggest hit songs. These songs were very popular on the R&B music charts. For example, "Mistrustin' Blues" and "Cupid Boogie" both reached the number one spot on the Billboard R&B chart in 1950. Another hit, "Rockin' Blues," reached number two on the R&B chart in 1951. In 1952, he recorded Floyd Dixon's song "Call Operator 210," which became a number four R&B chart hit.