I am more saddened than usual to hear of the death of Terry Melcher at the all-too-young age of 62 from a melanoma. I had the fortune of speaking to Melcher at some length in the late-'90s and we had kept in touch periodically since. I was unaware of his illness.
Singer, songwriter, music publisher Terry Melcher was also among the most important West Coast rock ’n’ roll producers of the ‘60s. Melcher first hit big with the Rip Chords (“Hey Little Cobra”) in ‘64, and then as staff producer at Columbia worked with the Byrds as they helped create folk- and country-rock on some of the ‘60’s most important albums: Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn! Turn! Turn!, Ballad of Easy Rider; and (Untitled) in ‘70.
In addition Melcher produced Paul Revere and the Raiders, generating eight Top 30 hits. After a hiatus from the studio, Melcher returned in the mid-’80s to write and produce for the Beach Boys, culminating in the No. 1 hit “Kokomo” in ‘88, over 23 years after his first No. 1 single, The Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
Melcher was born in February 1942 to an 18-year-old Doris Day and her first husband, trombone player Al Jorden. The couple separated soon after Terry’s birth, and Day resumed her singing career, which drew her to Hollywood by ‘48. Terry took the name of Day’s third (of four) husbands, agent/producer Marty Melcher, who died in ‘68.
A singer from childhood, Melcher made his first recording in ‘61 when he borrowed a combined $300 from a college friend and Jack Nitzsche, and made a demo at Gold Star Studios (home of Phil Spector’s recordings). Melcher took his Ricky Nelson-sounding demo to Columbia, where they were impressed enough to invite him into their producer-trainee program in New York.
Having gone through the program and back in L.A., Melcher made his first deal when he signed future-Beach Boy Bruce Johnston. As Bruce and Terry they hit the mid-charts with their, per Melcher, “half-assed surf” song “Summer Means Fun” in the summer of ‘64.
In the same musical vein, when songwriters Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas brought some songs into his family’s publishing company, Melcher signed them to a recording deal at Columbia, calling them the Rip Chords. After a couple of mid-charters, Melcher had his first smash when he and Johnston, backing Stewart and Bringas on vocals (joined by ace drummer Hal Blaine, and Glen Campbell on guitar), recorded “Hey Little Cobra” - an at-least 3/4-assed hot rod number. Melcher and Johnston then wrote, played all of the instruments, and sang backing on one of Pat Boone’s last charting records, “Beach Girl.”
Article comments
1 - Craig Lyndall
Wow, I didn't know Melcher was this influential. I will let it pass that he had something to do with Kokomo because of his work on the Byrds. Either way, 62 is much too young.
2 - Temple Stark
This is up at Advance.net
Click here.
- Temple
I had no clue who Melcher man was; but wish I had. Now I do.
BTW, if you ever want to interview Jim Valley, let me know. He doesn't or didn't like me - something about a secret upstairs Buddha statue I revealed to the world when he was waking me around his home.
3 - JR
Great post. This guy really led a charmed life; I'm envious.
To my mind, the Jet Set is a better name than the Byrds.
4 - Eric Olsen
Thanks JR and Temple, the greatest thing about working on The Encyclopedia of Record Producers was talking to all these people who did so much but who generally fly beneath the radar
5 - Eric Olsen
T, how do you know Valley - what's his story?
6 - Lee Day
Terry was a warm and loving son, father, friend, animal lover and humanitarian. I met Terry years ago over the phone. A client of mine, who's father was Terry's Headmaster at his High School, gave me a copy of his graduation year book. Terry had lost his and I contacted him to let him know I would send him a copy. He was so appreciative and kind. We developed a special bond because his mother has been an inspiration to me and a role model. Her work with animals has inspired me in my own career as Lee Day, The Celebrity Pet Hairstylist and Pet Entertainer. I was born with Nooners Syndrom, a rare physical and learning disability. Doris was a big part of helping me overcome my disability. I have set up a memorial fund in Terry's name with the A.S.P.C.A., in Manhattan. I take this loss very deeply. I feel his mother's and his son Ryan's pain.
7 - Eric Olsen
thank you very much for your moving thoughts Lee, and best of luck. I enjoyed speaking with Terry very much and was very sad to hear this news
8 - Buddy Woodward
Terry was also a superb harmony singer...in particular check out his work on "Louise" by the Raiders & "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" by the Byrds (Easy Rider Lp version).
Never met the man, but had occasion to study his production technique in detail, especially in regard to getting McGuinn's guitar sound together (they went DI -- no amp -- & into a pair of Fairchild compressor/limiters) when I was involved in a spate of Byrds/Gene Clark tribute shows a couple years ago, as well as listening to hours of Byrds session tapes where he guides the original group throgh countless takes of songs from the first two Lps. He must have had the patience of a saint, & his work speaks for itself.
Buddy
9 - Eric Olsen
thanks Buddy, very interesting information and perspective!
He seemed a very calm person in our conversations, so that makes sense
10 - havefaith
followed Terry Melcher life and career since the 60's as I am a great fan of Dois Day. A loyal and loving son to a very talented Doris Day. May he rest in peace.
11 - Eric Olsen
thanks havefaith, his affection for his mother was quite evident when we talked
12 - pete melcher
Wow cool to read about some one who made such a imprint in the early days of rock. I grew up listening to many of the albums he was involved with. I dont know if we were related but it was realy cool to read about him today.
13 - catherine offord
sad to hear of his deatrh, i admired his mother very much, i knew of him through movie magazines, but didnt know of his work as a producer, singer etc., god bless him, may he rest in peace.
14 - Brian Brett
He must have bee a very nice man his mother loved him very much and he loved his mother he looked after her so you news papers.
LEAVE DORIS DAY ALONE and don't make up stories about her