| Bristol, VA-TN (May 15, 2003) The sounds of the steel guitar filled the air at the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum in the Bristol Mall, as officials from the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) paid tribute to country star Mel Street by unveiling a new exhibit about his career as well as conducting a book signing with the authors of his biography. Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the BCMA, stated that it was very fitting to include an exhibit about Mel Street in the museum. “This exhibit will complement many of the others we have about the pioneers of bluegrass and country music,” commented Hartley. He added that not only does it honor the achievements of one of this region’s native sons, but it reminds people of the diversity of this region’s music, by including “something more contemporary, something that isn’t traditional country, bluegrass, or old-time.” Country music legend Mel Street was born at Garden Creek in Buchanan County, Virginia. His career began at age 16 and he played on radio stations WELC and the “King Cole Jamboree” on WBRW in West Virginia. In the 1960s, he played on the “Country Showcase” on WHIS television in Bluefield, West Virginia. He rose to stardom in 1972 when his self penned song, Borrowed Angel hit the Billboard charts and went on to become a country classic across America. He followed with hits like, Walk Softly On The Bridges, Lovin' On Back Streets, I Met A Friend Of Yours Today, She Makes Me Feel More Like A Man and the all around favorite ballad titled, "Smokey Mountain Memories." |
| Mel Street is considered to be one of the top vocal stylists of country music. Dennis Schuler, co-author of his biography, stated, “His unique ability was to capture the true essence of a song and deliver it from his heart.” Schuler noted that George Jones wrote on one of Mel's early albums, "Mel Street is one of three country artists, who puts soul into a song." During the 1970s, Street toured with Loretta Lynn and George Jones, as well as played many times on the Grand Ole Opry. Street died in 1978 at the age of 43. Larry Delp, the other co-author of Street’s new biography, Mel Street A Country Legend-Gone But Not Forgotten (Mountain State Press, 2002), commented on how honored he was for Mel’s family and friends to see this tribute. He noted that during the research and writing of the book, both he and Schuler noticed how loyal Mel was to the music and his fans. “And we’ve found his fans to still be loyal today and we would like to thank them.” He hoped that both the book and this exhibit would bring the recognition that Mel deserves, adding that “we should all be proud of this region, its heritage, and the tremendous amount of talent here.’ |
| Among the many family and friends of the late singer on hand for the events were Mel's wife, Betty, and their children; his brothers Cleve and Harry Street; Jim Prater, Street's longtime friend and manger, and many musicians who had played with Mel over the years. Betty stated, “we are pleased to be here and to be honored this way. I know that Mel would be pleased.” The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum is located in the lower level of the Bristol Mall, Exit 1 Interstate 81. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM and from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday. Admission to the museum is free. The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit group dedicated to the music and culture of Appalachia and the role played by the region in the development of Country Music. To learn more about the BCMA, call (276) 645-0035. |