|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMcDANIEL, Mel(b 9 September 1942, Checotah OK) Raspy-voiced country singer, songwriter and guitarist who specializes in 'good ol' boys' Southern country anthems. He entered a talent contest while in high school; performed around Tulsa whilst holding down day-time jobs; worked for two years in Alaska, where he made a big impact with his music; moved to Nashville '73 as demo singer, signed a writer's contract and performed at a Holiday Inn lounge; joined Capitol '76 for minor hits '76-80; a few made top 20; 'Louisiana Saturday Night' '81 was top ten, first no. 1 'Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On' '84, final top ten entry 'Real Good Feel Good Song' '88. As a songwriter he had songs covered by Hoyt Axton, Commander Cody, the Poodles, Kenny Rogers, Dickey Lee and Conway Twitty ('The Grandest Lady Of Them All' '78, salute to the Opry). He joined the Opry '86; with his band Oklahoma Wind he toured 200 dates a year. Albums included Gentle To Your Senses '77, Mello '78, The Farm '79, Countrified '81, Take Me To The Country '82, Naturally Country '83, Mel McDaniel And Oklahoma Wind '84, Stand Up '85, Just Can't Sit Down Music '86, Now You're Talkin' '88 and Rockabilly Boy '89, all on Capitol; Country Pride '91 on DPI; Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On '93 on Branson Entertainment. |