Role Musician | Name Jonathan Melvoin Occupation(s) Musician | |
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Born December 6, 1961 , Los Angeles ( 1961-12-06 ) Instruments Keyboards, piano, drums, percussion, vocals Died July 12, 1996, New York City, New York, United States Albums Live in London: Locked 'n' Loaded, Locked 'N' Loaded Similar People Susannah Melvoin, Wendy Melvoin, Mike Melvoin, Chuck Wagon | ||
Roach motel featuring jonathan melvoin
Jonathan Melvoin (December 6, 1961 – July 12, 1996) was an American musician active in the 1980s and 1990s.
Contents
- Roach motel featuring jonathan melvoin
- Smashing Pumpkins Speak about Jimmys Overdose the Death of Jonathan Melvoin
- Early life
- Career
- Death
- References
Smashing Pumpkins Speak about Jimmy's Overdose & the Death of Jonathan Melvoin
Early life
He was the brother of twins Susannah and Wendy Melvoin of Prince and The Revolution, and son of Wrecking Crew musician Mike Melvoin. He first learned to play drums at the age of five and was described by friends and relatives as a musician who could play anything.
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" 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 in New York City at age 34 as the result of a heroin overdose. Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, present at the scene, tried but failed to revive him. There is much mystery and speculation about what events actually took place. Chamberlin was allegedly advised by 9-1-1 operators to put Melvoin's head in the shower in an attempt to revive him until paramedics arrived. Melvoin was pronounced dead at the scene. Chamberlin was subsequently fired from the band. According to the band, there had been previous overdoses by both of them. Melvoin had already been fired, but was continuing to tour with The Smashing Pumpkins until the end of the tour leg. Melvoin's replacement was Dennis Flemion of The Frogs. His last gig with the Pumpkins was at the Capital Centre which was named USAir Arena at the time in Landover, Maryland.
The Smashing Pumpkins were not invited to Melvoin's funeral. He is survived by his widow, child, and sisters. 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.