Best known for his jazz program that ran on KUOP-FM radio for some 13 years, the famed Mel Williams died May 30, 1999 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. His radio career began in 1974 with a one-hour program on KHOP in Modesto. He was 69.
Williams, a wise and well-respected member of the Modesto community, was familiar to radio audiences for nearly a quarter-century as a genial program host who offered up mellow sounds and insight commentary drawn from his encyclopedic knowledge of music. In addition, Mr. Williams was an accomplished musician.
Mel Williams (Courtesy of Lori Jensen-Hooker)
He retired in 1992 from the city of Modesto, after having served mostly as a supervisor in office services. He is credited with establishing the Sickle Cell Anemia Program, which tested 11,000 people in 18 years and which was funded through jazz benefits. He also created the Mel Williams Physical Fitness Program, which began with a few persons in his back yard and later was offered at Modesto Junior College. The program grew from 10 youngsters to more than 100 of all nationalities
Every Friday evening for thirteen years, jazz listeners from throughout the valley would tune in at 6 o’clock to hear Williams open his KUOP-FM show with: “Good evening, my wonderful listening audience…this is the world of Mel Williams.” In a 1990 interview, he said: “Music is my first love, and it will probably be my last.
Mr. Williams is survived by his children: Monte Williams and Morris Williams, both of Modesto, Mel Williams of Ohio, Mike Williams of San Jose and Marcus Williams of Virginia. Marcus continued in his father’s footsteps and enjoyed success as an area radio personality. Mel also leaves behind nine grandchildren.
5 thoughts on “Mel Williams, Jazz Disc Jockey, 69”
I played music in bands with Mel Williams in Tracy, Sonora, Lake Tahoe, Castle Air force Base, and Modesto. While he was older than me, we had a great relationship. I knew his wife, Mandy, and I met his many sons.
Mel knew all of the older songs that pre-dated rock & roll, including “Caldonia” which Mel sang. Mel was famous for holding one note on his sax for what seemed like many minutes. I never learned the trick, but Mel had mastered the ability to play that long note, which was always a show stopper.
At the time, there were not many Afro Americans living in Modesto. In fact, Mel may have been the only, or one of a few Afro Americans, working for the City of Modesto. I believe that Mel was a model for others who followed him.
After I left Modesto and relocated in Los Angeles, I continued my contacts with Mel, and I recall attending his retirement lunch in the early 90’s. He loved his radio show and he was an expert in early jazz.
Glad to see a comment here that I can reply to. Right now I’m listening to Mel’s program from 9/9/94 on my cassette deck. My younger self taped Mel from early ’94 on, until KUOP sacked Mel along with the other local programming, due to switching to the ‘national generic npr feed’ in late ’96. I’m glad that I did…those were great times in Modesto, CA which was Mel’s hometown…
Hi Larry. Thank you for the wonderful background. I recall Mel telling stories of your musical adventures. He really appreciated your friendship.
Thank you.
Marcus Williams
Mel was a gentleman ,a mentor, an inspiration and a joy to be around. I was fortunate enough to play with him a number of times , including in his Modesto big band. I visited his home several times and always felt welcomed by his wonderful family. I was just a kid….and by example, Mel helped me on my journey to musical and personal maturity. My wife and I talk of him often….he will never be forgotten …..he was and remains part of the fabric of his community.
Rest In Peace Mel …….I hope to jam with you again someday.
I truly loved hearing Mel’s voice again on this thread! I cleaned his home in Modesto. He loved his radio broadcast! I now live in Atlanta, and have driven by his former home in Modesto, when I visited. Very bittersweet! I will see him again in heaven. I am sure he has a sax in his hand with the angel band! I saw Mohammad Ali in San Francisco, when I worked for Mel! Little did I know, Mel picked him up at the airport, and he came to Mel’s home! Mel was to busy with his sax to mention Ali! He was a true gentleman and became a good friend. It am glad we met each other in this life! RIP – see u again Mel.
Best known for his jazz program that ran on KUOP-FM radio for some 13 years, the famed Mel Williams died May 30, 1999 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. His radio career began in 1974 with a one-hour program on KHOP in Modesto. He was 69.
Williams, a wise and well-respected member of the Modesto community, was familiar to radio audiences for nearly a quarter-century as a genial program host who offered up mellow sounds and insight commentary drawn from his encyclopedic knowledge of music. In addition, Mr. Williams was an accomplished musician.
He retired in 1992 from the city of Modesto, after having served mostly as a supervisor in office services. He is credited with establishing the Sickle Cell Anemia Program, which tested 11,000 people in 18 years and which was funded through jazz benefits. He also created the Mel Williams Physical Fitness Program, which began with a few persons in his back yard and later was offered at Modesto Junior College. The program grew from 10 youngsters to more than 100 of all nationalities
Every Friday evening for thirteen years, jazz listeners from throughout the valley would tune in at 6 o’clock to hear Williams open his KUOP-FM show with: “Good evening, my wonderful listening audience…this is the world of Mel Williams.” In a 1990 interview, he said: “Music is my first love, and it will probably be my last.
The Radio Museum obtained this sample of Mel’s on-air work at KUOP-FM, Stockton:
Mr. Williams is survived by his children: Monte Williams and Morris Williams, both of Modesto, Mel Williams of Ohio, Mike Williams of San Jose and Marcus Williams of Virginia. Marcus continued in his father’s footsteps and enjoyed success as an area radio personality. Mel also leaves behind nine grandchildren.
I played music in bands with Mel Williams in Tracy, Sonora, Lake Tahoe, Castle Air force Base, and Modesto. While he was older than me, we had a great relationship. I knew his wife, Mandy, and I met his many sons.
Mel knew all of the older songs that pre-dated rock & roll, including “Caldonia” which Mel sang. Mel was famous for holding one note on his sax for what seemed like many minutes. I never learned the trick, but Mel had mastered the ability to play that long note, which was always a show stopper.
At the time, there were not many Afro Americans living in Modesto. In fact, Mel may have been the only, or one of a few Afro Americans, working for the City of Modesto. I believe that Mel was a model for others who followed him.
After I left Modesto and relocated in Los Angeles, I continued my contacts with Mel, and I recall attending his retirement lunch in the early 90’s. He loved his radio show and he was an expert in early jazz.
Larry Larson
Mel Williams led me to Jazz… On the radio.
Glad to see a comment here that I can reply to. Right now I’m listening to Mel’s program from 9/9/94 on my cassette deck. My younger self taped Mel from early ’94 on, until KUOP sacked Mel along with the other local programming, due to switching to the ‘national generic npr feed’ in late ’96. I’m glad that I did…those were great times in Modesto, CA which was Mel’s hometown…
Christian Walter
Pocatello, ID
Hi Larry. Thank you for the wonderful background. I recall Mel telling stories of your musical adventures. He really appreciated your friendship.
Thank you.
Marcus Williams
Mel was a gentleman ,a mentor, an inspiration and a joy to be around. I was fortunate enough to play with him a number of times , including in his Modesto big band. I visited his home several times and always felt welcomed by his wonderful family. I was just a kid….and by example, Mel helped me on my journey to musical and personal maturity. My wife and I talk of him often….he will never be forgotten …..he was and remains part of the fabric of his community.
Rest In Peace Mel …….I hope to jam with you again someday.
I truly loved hearing Mel’s voice again on this thread! I cleaned his home in Modesto. He loved his radio broadcast! I now live in Atlanta, and have driven by his former home in Modesto, when I visited. Very bittersweet! I will see him again in heaven. I am sure he has a sax in his hand with the angel band! I saw Mohammad Ali in San Francisco, when I worked for Mel! Little did I know, Mel picked him up at the airport, and he came to Mel’s home! Mel was to busy with his sax to mention Ali! He was a true gentleman and became a good friend. It am glad we met each other in this life! RIP – see u again Mel.