All About Jazz Guitar Player, Mel Bay
Melbourne “Mel” Bay was born in 1913 in the rural Missouri town of Bunker. He learned to play guitar on an old Sear’s and Roebuck guitar by watching other guitar players as there were no guitar teachers in the small town in which he grew up. Mel wanted to make a living playing guitar so he moved to St. Louis where there were greater opportunities for musicians. While in St. Louis, Mel worked for several radio stations as their “house” guitar player. He also fronted a jazz trio with a bass player and pianist. Eventually, Mel created song books to help those who lacked the ability to play good chords, and who were unable to read music. Although he made a living as a musician for over 25 years, it is his “Modern Guitar Method” song books that have provided his lasting legacy in the music world. It is estimated that the Modern Guitar Method has sold more than 20 million copies world wide. Although by all accounts Mel Bay was an accomplished guitarist in his own right, it is the Mel Bay song books that have allowed millions of guitarists to learn the craft and in which his legacy lasts.