1

SOUTHSIDE JERRY MELLIX

78, Male

PITTSBURGH

United States

Profile Information:

Favorite website: http://www.youtube.com
Pittsburgh Connection: I was born in Pittsburgh, PA. I went to Soho and Forbes Grade Schools and Fifth Ave. High School. I also went to Pittsburgh Univ. but left before graduation to go on the road with the Pittsburgh based 'oldies' show band, THE MEMORIES. I spent 20 plus years with that band. .
I lived on the lower hill district until I went in to the Army in 1965. But I "lived" on the hill district or what we called back then, 'THE SET'. I am based out of Wilkinsburg, PA.
Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers: I have many, many favorite musicians from 'the 'burg''. Too many to name here. A lot of those players were 'cats' who only got to play in those "hole n' the wall joints" . And they never got recorded or will never be known outside their neighborhoods.
But I will say that sax players like my brother Ron, Art Nance, the late great J.C. Gordon, StanleyTurrentine - Hammond B-3 player John Papi - guitar player Larry 'Butch' McGhee - vocalist like Hattie Taylor, members of the group:These Gents and the late Johnny Jack and Jerry Betters - and of course everyone from the group The Memories, inspired and encouraged me....and I apprecaite them all for that!......are my early favorites.
Favorite Jazz Radio or media station: Watercolors (Smooth Jazz) on Sirius XM
WZUM - 1550 AM - Pittsburgh
KJAZZ - 88.1fm AUDIO STREAM
Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue: Anywhere that has live "TASTY" musicians. But none today are like my favorites of yesterday, like: Homewood's The Blue Falls - Ellens - The Loft, East Liberty's: The Tiger Tail. The Diplomat ran by Buck Brice - Shadyside's and downtown Pgh.'s Encore Lounges. And of course the numerous famous and not so famous places in the HIll District.
About Me:: I am a 70 plus year old sax player, mainly a Tenor man but I've been known to pick up an Alto, Bari, Soprano and flute if needed. And yes, I'll sing a tune or two, too. For over 50 years now, I've been performing and making Blues and 50's thru 60's R&B my "bread & butter" in the music industry. That is what helped me get my daughter thru medical school. I started out playing in The Hill City Marching Band back in 1959. I then migrated to the high school band and later found myself working weekend nights with a band called: 'Little' Willie Beck & The Crossfires.
By the time I got out of the Army I had learned to play a lot of genre's of music but none attracted me more then R&B.
I'm now retired from the post office and as I look back, I don't know how I managed to find the time or way to keep that job and still perform in rooms in Las Vegas & Reno, NV., New Orleans, LA., Atlantic City, NJ. and points in between. I've met so many wonderful greats, near greats and wanna be greats. All of which have enriched my life. All of whom I learned something from and appreciate that I crossed their paths in my life.
I don't tour any more but I still keep busy working with national/local R&B (including 'oldies' and Disco), Classic Rock, Blues and/or Jazz groups.
Website:: http://www.southsidejerry.com
Artist or Fan: artist, fan, industry professional

Comment Wall:

Dr. Nelson Harrison

WOW! Jerry you sure know how to roll with opportunity. Thank you so much for joining. Your bio is fascinating and many will be happy to read it. Many of your friends are here like Butch McGee that you can connect with. Your photos are great. Please post some sounds when you can and check out the vids, photos and sounds that others have posted. Fabulous to have you join us partner.

Apr 1, 2008
Anne Annie Friedland

I remember you! Are you still playing?

Apr 2, 2008
SOUTHSIDE JERRY MELLIX

Hi, thanks for remembering. I saw your name and I just had to 'shout out' at cha' . Because as talented as you are, you never looked down on others whose talent was not at your level. Plus you were and I'm sure still, a very 'down to earth' person.
Yes I am still playing. I'm back home working with a 'oldies' band, based in Pittsburgh. They are called "THE NEW HOLIDAYS". You might know their drummer, John Erskine.
And now that I know how to get hold of you, if I hear of anyone looking for a piano/keys player I'll be sure to direct them your way.
Peace - Jerry

Apr 2, 2008
Dr. Nelson Harrison

You're doing it right my brother. Way to go!

Apr 3, 2008
Dave Yoho

Hello Jerry, Not sure if we met before either. (I think we did though) I joined up with the Blues Orphans in 1995, shortly after they stopped playing Brother Olive's in the strip, which I understand was an open jam setting. I stopped in there once or twice, met the boys and shortly after was ask to join. At that time, I was jamming with Soul Jones which later became Randall Troy & The Kings, Soul Jones was Randy Troy on guitar, Max Woodhall on bass, Jim Seng on keys, Bill Engelman on sax and myself. The Kings recorded a demo and I'm wondering if you were present during the recording? as there was another saxman present during the recording...yes? no? Take care Jerry.

Apr 5, 2008
SOUTHSIDE JERRY MELLIX

Well I don't know about being there for the recording. But I know Troy and the rest of the fellows. I use to fill in with Soul Jones from time to time. That is where I must have met you. I remember there was another horn player on a few gigs that I did with that band. And I played a few times with them when they use to hold down a spot located on Liberty Ave,- in Bloomfield, near the hospital.
Peace.

Apr 5, 2008
Deb Weible

Hi Jerry, Thanks for your note! The Tuesday Night Big Band & The Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band are actually the same band except we add Bobbby Wayne on vocals when we play the Doo Wop show which was written by our director Rich "Mo" Mansfield. You can catch us at the Rhythm House for The Pittsburgh Jazz Society on June 15th and August 17th. We always play some of the female Doo Wop charts (Lori Russo sings) for those gigs.

Apr 14, 2008
SOUTHSIDE JERRY MELLIX

Okay thanks. I know both Rick and Bobby. I'll remember those dates and try to make it. Thanks again.

Apr 15, 2008
Keith Haskins

Thanks for the Love Jerry, Woody has told me about you as well. Hope to meet you one day soon....I enjoy your sound tremendously! Glad you put your calendar up, I'll catch up to you in the near future.

Apr 16, 2008
Justin Brown

My guide J,

From you: I have learned more than music and will be more than music to you. You are more than an ambassador of music, but a great friend.

love,

j

May 16, 2008
Dr. Nelson Harrison

Jerry,

The lyrics are on my page. Just read them to yourself as you play the soundtrack. I'm glad you like it.

Jul 30, 2008
Gwen Davis

Sorry that video wasn't clearer, but such is life. I'm sure we will work together again. I know we will in January. See you soon. Don't forget to vote.

Oct 14, 2008
Benjy Myaz

Thanks for the add Much Respect. One..

Nov 6, 2008
Margareth Osju

Good Morning, Mr Jerry Mellix. Thank you for the request. Well, I have to write that I'm honored to have you on my friendlist. And thanks for the very nice compliment about my website. As an artist/photographer is feels great that people like my visual words. *smile*What a great way to wake up. I't very early here in right now..:) If you will be a member of my website you are very welcome. This is the link: http://margarethosju.ning.com/ Now I shall see if I take some coffee to wake up. I wish you a wonderful week. Best wishes from Sweden Margareth

Nov 10, 2008
JOHN PAPI

Hi
Jerry Keep on, Honkin ... Sounds good... john papi

May 18, 2009
JOHN PAPI

Hi Jerry , It was great seeing you at the party ,what a surpize.. Thanks jerry i need your mailing address... email jpapi@comcast.net God Bless john

Jun 9, 2009
Schrubbel

Hi Southside Jerry ! Welcome ! Greetings from Schru. Cologne/Germany

Oct 25, 2009
Chris Larcovic

Hiya Jerry Just joined the site and wanted to say "hello" Stop down to see us (Weet, me and Mama) sometime! Chris Larcovic

Nov 12, 2009
Schrubbel

Hi Jerry ! Thank you for Friendship ! May I invite you to my new platform for Artists & Friends <a href="http://colognejazzart.ning.com/">http://colognejazzart.ning.com/</a>. Welcome ! Schru.

Nov 12, 2009
Bill Coffee

Hey Jerry! Thanks for the invite and the complements on my playing.
I hope to catch your show some day.

Bill Coffee

Jan 13, 2010

1 member likes this