Melvin (Mel) Morley
Keyboardist/bassist/Zen drummer/music producer Mel (aka midimel) Morley, beloved son of Nicholas and Liza Morley, (also deceased) died at 52 years old at Aventura Hospital in North Miami Beach on December 26th from heart failure. He was well known in the local, national and international music community as an accomplished professional and a giving, warm-hearted , yet unpredictable person.
He spoke fluent French, Spanish, Hebrew and Swiss German. In 1982, he studied Electronic music and recording at USF, Graduated U of M with a degree in Speech Communication in 1983, and was privileged enough to have graduated high school from Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland.
In his relatively short life, he will be fondly remembered for his musical versatility and his exemplary contributions to Ambient, New Age, Electronica, Jazz, Funk And Rock music. Those who were lucky enough to call him a friend will remember him for his passion for music and digital recording, food, women, sophomoric humor and professional wrestling.
His musical resume was also impressive. A partial list of those he had performed, appeared or recorded with include: Paul Schaffer, Flock of Seagulls, Buddy Miles, Yngwie Malmsteen, Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, The Platters, The Drifters, The Coasters, Ronnie Wood, and Bronskie Beat. At the height of his musical career, in 2004, he was one of only 2 American keyboardists to have ever played at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. He attended and performed at every Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA for the past 10 years.
Mel Morley lived his life for the moment, on his terms and with no apologies. He never looked back, he never looked forward, and he never “grew up”. That was part of his charm. He brought a smile to everyone he ever met and was friendly to a fault, even to those who would take advantage of his good nature. He will be sorely missed by his close friends and the entire music community of the world. At this very moment, he’s probably up in Heaven, dressed in pajamas, eating an entire pizza, watching cartoons, programming a song with his free hand, with a cute girl on his lap. That’s just Mel being Mel.
Mel Morley Memorial
Please join us for a memorial to our friend Mel Morley January 22nd from 5:00 to 8:00. LOCATION South Florida Rehearsal Studios 1855 NE 149th Street Miami, Fl For directions go to www.sfrs.net For more info contact Diane at dadreon@miami.edu
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Kenny Suarez
January, 15 2012
Mel, I loved like a brother....I miss you and wish we could have seen each other last week like we had planned.The obituary was written by someone who knew you as well as i did,could not have said it better that was Mell to the t..Mel's favorite saying to me,Brahhh,you got extra? miss you and love ya,Brahhh,and yes there was always extra for you!!!!!Rick Valero
January, 15 2012
Sigh....It's hard for me to put down what I want to say. Just between you and me....Goodbye Frawwg....I love you man. You were my brother in so many ways. I look at your Facebook icon in the chat section and know it will now be forever silent. You had so much to share and got little in return at times. I know now....you will continue to do so but be rewarded a million fold. Until we meet again my brother.Debbie Chiet
January, 14 2012
Mel was my friend for 30 something years. He was also my go-to "music man" whenever I needed music or a soundtrack for the tv commercials I wrote. He made music for Sound Advice commercials..the Jewish Federation of SPBC and many more. I knew him when he had that big ole afro that was as big as his heart. I just redid your resume..I hope it got you first position in G-D's celestial orchestra...Miss you already. DebTommy Sakis Konstantine Toufexis /T Bone
January, 14 2012
last I saw Mel he was very down to earth , a team player he will do will in that great band in heaven ,T BoneAlex. Beltchev
January, 13 2012
Au revoir, mon ami.Willie Vega
January, 12 2012
Something Mel recorded at my old studio; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2GqyuME_4 It was an improv with Andy on percussion/drums and Diego on bass. Few ever heard this I think. RIP Mel.Barbara and Knut Stromstad
January, 12 2012
We were shocked to hear the sad news of Melvin's passing. We knew him well when he was a student at Le Rosey in Switzerland. Best regards to all his friends, Barbara and Knutoscar dorta
January, 12 2012
my dear friend......missed by many ..rest in peaceBrenda Mabbitt
January, 11 2012
One more great musician has been added to the Great Band of the Cosmos. Thoughts and Prayers go out to Mel's Family and Friends. Rest in Peace, Mel. @--}Jerry Crepeau
January, 11 2012
RIP Mel.Kevin Layne
January, 11 2012
Mel was a part of the very rich, proud musical scene in south florida that we have all cherished and have held on to for many years. He was talented, smart, unedited and unique. His presense will be missed.John Sly
January, 11 2012
I met Mel at a benefit gig for another fallen local musician, I knew, immediately, he was one of kind and by the end of the day as he shook my hand and called me friend I felt quite honored and blessed. We will miss him, but for sure the Heavenly Band has gained another awesome talent.Luke Gardner
January, 11 2012
Farewell old friend.... In time we'll meet again.Mr. "O"
January, 11 2012
Mel was a great guy who was always glad to help out in a pinch. We did only two gigs together but he was a pro and stayed in touch with me. Heaven has a great addition to the Big Band in the sky. Mr. "O"Aimee Goldstone Gerrard
January, 11 2012
Mel,I loved you from the moment we met.I miss you terribly but I know you have no pain and that gives me comfort.I will never forget you,you silly man. A.