Mel Zelnick

Mel Zelnick (born in Harlem on September 28, 1924; died in Mayer, Arizona on February 21, 2008) was a jazz drummer worked for Benny Goodman, Lennie Tristano, and Boyd Raeburn. He also ran a music store with Terry Gibbs acting as a partner to help publicize the place. Along with bands he worked for Capitol Records for a time and accompanied Peggy Lee, Patti Page, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles, among others. Outside of jazz he developed an interest in Gemology and received four certificates from the Gemological Institute of America.

The Music Stop

In the mid 1960s, Mel opened a music store in Canoga Park, CA together with vibist Terry Gibbs. Terry Gibbs and Mel Zelnick Music Stop was also the first teaching facility of the drum guru Freddie Gruber and Henry Bellson brother of Louie.

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