Mel Street remains a resonant name in the annals of classic country music, despite not fitting the mold of a ‘cosmopolitan’ or ‘urban’ artist. Born in rural Virginia in the 1930s, Mel Street was country to his core, embodying the honky-tonk spirit of the 1950s and 60s country legends. As someone immersed in radio during the 1970s, I witnessed firsthand the powerful connection Mel Street forged with listeners through his raw and emotionally charged music.
KXRB AM Radio Logo: A station that championed classic country artists like Mel Street during his peak in the 1970s.
Mel Street had an unparalleled ability to articulate the pain of infidelity and heartbreak. His breakout hit, “Borrowed Angel” in 1972, immediately established him as a voice for the lovelorn and the cheatin’. He quickly followed up with “Lovin’ On Back Streets,” further cementing his place in the country music landscape. By 1974, when I began my career in radio, Mel Street was a bona fide country music star. For those seeking the quintessential cheatin’ country song, look no further than “I Met A Friend Of Yours Today” – a true classic in Mel Street’s repertoire.
While “I Met A Friend Of Yours Today” is a strong example of his style, my personal favorite Mel Street song remains “Smokey Mountain Memories” from 1975. It’s simply a beautifully rendered piece, showcasing his vocal talent and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Mel Street amassed over a dozen Top Twenty hits, becoming a mainstay on country music radio stations across the nation. His consistent presence on the airwaves solidified his status as a beloved figure in the genre.
However, beyond the accolades and chart success, there’s a lesser-known, tragic dimension to Mel Street’s story. His life was cut short by his own hand. On his 43rd birthday, October 21, 1978, Mel Street died by suicide, a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reports at the time suggested he battled clinical depression, alcoholism, and the profound loneliness that often accompanies a life spent constantly touring, away from family and the comforts of home. Regardless of the specific circumstances, suicide is a tragedy, and the loss of Mel Street was deeply felt within the country music community.
The immense respect for Mel Street was evident in George Jones’s poignant gesture of singing “Amazing Grace” at his funeral. This tribute from one country music icon to another underscored the significant loss. In Mel Street’s passing, we mourned not only a talented artist but also a voice that gave expression to the raw emotions of classic country music, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable songs.
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