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Melvin Sparks, Influential Soul-Jazz Guitarist, Dead at 64

myspace.com/themelvinsparksband

Melvin Sparks, an acclaimed jazz-soul session guitarist and fixture in the jam-band scene, died March 13 at his Mount Vernon, N.Y. home, according to the New York Times. The 64-year-old's wife said he had battled diabetes and high blood pressure.

Born in Houston, Sparks grew up around music and got his first guitar at age 11. After working as a teenager in R&B bands -- including a stint in the Upsetters, a group founded by Little Richard -- he moved to New York and became a session player for Blue Note and Prestige.

While working for those two famed labels, Sparks played on records by musicians including Jack McDuff and Chares Earland. In 1970, he released his first of three albums, on Prestige 'Sparks!' In total, he released 10 albums as a leader, with 2005's 'Groove on Up' being his latest. In the '90s and '00s, his playing found new fans on the jam-band scene, thanks to more session work and performances with bands like Galactic, Soulive and Phish's Mike Gordon.

Sparks is survived by his wife, Judy Hassan, four daughters, a son and 13 grandchildren.

Melvin Sparks Performs With Mike Gordon


Download Melvin Sparks Songs | Buy Melvin Sparks Albums

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jymjam

Thank you Melvin, for your contribution to Jazz, man. You WILL live on thru your music. Many times I put on your tracks and was able to get through many strange days. It was your LP Spark Plug! that I wore out. RIP

March 23 2011 at 2:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joseph Blazewicz

One day, we all have to die. We have no choice.

March 23 2011 at 12:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wimaca

I remember buying his album "Spark Plug" he had the new sound of the funk-jazz fusion, I've often wondered where he and what he was doing. now I need to know about Rodney Franklin Pianoist

March 22 2011 at 9:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
fymayawf

I'm sure the guy was a great musician but where does AOL find these people and bands that nobody has ever heard of why?

March 22 2011 at 8:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to fymayawf's comment
mark Feldman

Why??
To help uninformed people like you.
He was a legend
Thanks AOL

March 22 2011 at 10:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stratman58

If you haven't heard of it, can't be important can it? No wonder we're returning to the dark ages with folks like you inheriting the earth

March 22 2011 at 10:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply