Jonathan Melvoin
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Jonathan David Melvoin | |
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![]() Melvoin in the music video for The Smashing Pumpkins song "Zero" | |
Background information | |
Born | Los Angeles, California, U.S. | December 6, 1961
Died | July 12, 1996 New York City, New York, U.S. | (aged 34)
Genres | Alternative rock, Pop |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Keyboards, piano, drums, percussion, vocals |
Jonathan David Melvoin (December 6, 1961 – July 12, 1996) was an American musician active in the 1980s and 1990s.
Early life
He was the son of Constance (née Ives) and Mike Melvoin, keyboardist for The Wrecking Crew, and brother of twins Susannah and Wendy Melvoin of Prince and The Revolution. He first learned to play drums at the age of five[1] and was described by friends and relatives as a musician who could play anything.[citation needed]
Career
Melvoin performed with many punk bands in the 1980s, such as The Dickies.
He was also a member of The Family, a Prince side project band which produced the original recording of "Nothing Compares 2 U"[2], "Screams of Passion & Mutiny" and made musical contributions to many Wendy & Lisa projects, as well as to Prince and the Revolution's 1985 album Around the World in a Day. He also played drums on "Do U Lie?" from the 1986 Prince & the Revolution album Parade. At the time of his death he was the touring keyboardist for The Smashing Pumpkins during their worldwide tour for the album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
Death
Melvoin died at age 34 as the result of a heroin overdose. The Smashing Pumpkins were not invited to Melvoin's funeral.[3] He is survived by his widow, child, and sisters.[4] Several songs were inspired by his death, including the Sarah McLachlan song "Angel", the Wendy & Lisa song "Jonathan" (as Girl Bros.), and Prince's "The Love We Make" from the album Emancipation.[5]
References
- ^ people.com
- ^ latimes.com
- ^ The Smashing Pumpkins Chronology: The Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Era: 1996
- ^ Corgan, Billy. (Interview Subject). MTV Interview. 1996/09/04.
- ^ Prince Mourns a Drug-Related Loss with 'The Love We Make'