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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Dennis Menard
May, 6 2012
So sorry to hear this...Mel was a dear little brother. We played at the Coconut Grove Playhouse back in the 70's and stayed in touch off and on through the decades, but the friendship was always there. A rascal, a character, a sensitive musician and a kind soul. I wanted him to be godfather to my daughter, but the Catholic church wouldn't have it...but his was the most positive reaction to the news of my coming child. Ironic that he passed away on my daughter's birthday.... Love you always, Mel.Frank Zaccaro
May, 3 2012
Oh man.....Anyone who knew Mel knows what a loss this is.....he was truly a good man.....Ed Calle
April, 6 2012
Rest in peace Mel. You always made me smile. We will all miss you. Thinking about you today.Elizabeth von Muggenthaler
February, 13 2012
Dear Mel, Now that you are omnipresent you will know that Swiss cows do not have shorter legs on one side and llamas don't always converse in 4/4. Bless you, and I miss you, and I can't believe I won't hear your voice in this lifetime every month, even as far away as we were, we are even farther away now. I thank you for every moment we shared, Peace Brother, LizMelissa May
February, 8 2012
I will always remember Mel for his kindness. He gave my bandmates and me many happy and hilarious memories. He will be missed.Keetha Schaeffer
January, 23 2012
I was honored to produce this tribute to you...I think you would have liked it! Rest in peace Mel. Keetha http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfzoYwmg0dcDee Adamson
January, 19 2012
Glad we had chance to have a few great telephone conversations this year.. It would of been so nice to go and have a decent 'Curry' and a catch up here in the UK or in Miami - but not to be! Always remember the Quadradial days - Many blessings Mel. You will be missed. Love and light - Dawn xMarc Berner
January, 16 2012
May your soul be forever with The Divine, Mel. God bless you always!Seth Prezant
January, 16 2012
Mel's goal was to please, entertain, and share his love of life. Not a bad bone in his big body...just a talented soul who has left us wanting to hear more of his musical self. RIP Mel, you will be missed by many more than you know.