Guitarist born in Richmond, Virginia who moved to Detroit, Michigan and was a member of the legendary Funk Brothers, who backed some of Motown’s biggest artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
One of his earliest recording sessions was with Edwin Starr on “Stop the War Now” in 1971.
In 1973, Motown relocated much of its operation to Los Angeles, and Melvin was flown there to perform on the Rare Earth Album, Ma. It was supposed to be a four-day stop, but turned out to be a permanent move. He fit right into the burgeoning Hollywood session scene.
Case in point: Shortly thereafter, he and Herbie Hancock were hired to record “Let’s Get it On” with Marvin Gaye. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and a lucrative collaboration that began with the soundtrack of Death Wish. He also worked on Herbie’s albums, Feets Don’t Fail Me Now, Man-Child, Mr. Hands, Secrets, and V.S.O.P.
In 1983, he went on The Midnight Love Tour with Marvin Gaye, which turned out to be the soul singer’s last.
The Motown Historical Museum honoured Melvin with “The Man of Motown” tribute in 2003.
His discography is massive with his recordings having sold approximately 100 million times—and here are but a few highlights: ABC by the Jackson 5; Colors by Herb Alpert; Conversation Peace by Stevie Wonder; Damita Jo by Janet Jackson; Do it Baby by the Miracles; Hot City by Gene Page; Inside You by Frankie Valli; L.A. (Light Album) by the Beach Boys; Making Music by Bill Withers; No One Home by Lalo Schifrin; Off the Wall by Michael Jackson; Promise of a New Day by Paula Abdul; A Quiet Storm by Smokey Robinson; Rapture by Blondie; Smokin’ Section by Tom Scott & L.A. Express; Take Me Home by Cher; and, That’s What Friends Are For by Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams.
He can also be heard on the soundtracks of Animal House, Car Wash, Shaft, and Sudden Impact.
In the field of music education, he participated in the Jazz Mentorship Program and the Thelonious Monk Institute/Jazz in the Classroom Program.
He died at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California in 2018 when he was 67 years old.
Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams recordings
Emotion (Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb)
S CBS 6164B (UK 45)
Sources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvin_%22Wah-Wah_Watson%22_Ragin
- http://www.wahwah.com/discography.html
- http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1050686&style=music
- http://albumlinernotes.com/Animal_House__OST_.html
- http://www.cduniverse.com/sresult.asp?qs=m563610
- http://www.allmusic.com/artist/melvin-wah-wah-ragin-mn0000348814
- http://www.wahwah.com/history.html