Melva Houston

Melva Houston is a jazz and blues vocalist who's experience includes more than 20 years of live performances across the US and internationally.  A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Melva began her career with gospel performances.  At the age of 16, she moved into R&B as a backup singer for Stax Records where she recorded R&B greats such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett and Sam and Dave.  Melva made her first tour of Europe with the Platters and starred in a Motown Revue.

Once Melva discovered jazz and blues, she found her musical passion and has been performing these styles for most of her career.  Her performances include jazz standards and blues featuring songs from the jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Nina Simone.  In her concerts, Melva is accompanied by her band of excellent musicians.

2011 marks Melva's 14th year tour of Europe where she will perform concerts and conduct workshops.  In 2006 and 2007, Melva Houston was acknowledged as the Goodwill Ambassador of the "Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba" and was a Telly Award winner for her short-form documentary promo: Melva Houston: Keeping Jazz Alive.

Today, Melva tours the US, Spain, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the Caribbean on her mission to keep jazz alive.  In addition to her concerts, Melva also conducts vocal workshops for aspiring singers.  By sharing her passion, energy and love of music, Melva has received the adulation of countless audiences around the world.

Performance Info -

Melva’s versatility, experience and love of music allows her to entertain audiences in a variety of ways.  Performances include Melva Houston and her trio consisting of piano, bass and drums for two 45 minutes sets.  Additional instruments such as saxophone, trumpet may be added if desired.  Length of performance may be adjusted to accommodate certain events.  Please inquire when booking.

Jazz and Blues – features Melva and her trio of piano, bass and drums performing sultry jazz standards and mixing it up with a good dose of Blues.

J&B & R&B – features Melva and her trio performing classic jazz and blues tunes and funking it up by tapping into her R&B roots.

Duo – features Melva and a selected musician performing in a more intimate setting.

Billie Holiday Tribute – features Melva and selected musicians performing classic Billie Holiday songs accompanied by narrative interludes about Billie’s life.

Nina Simone Tribute – features Melva and selected musicians performing classic Nina Simone songs accompanied by narrative interludes about Nina’s life.

Educational Performances – Melva educates, entertains and engages children with her one woman show.  These one hour performances are offered for elementary and middle schools.

Performance Venues -

• Clubs and Theaters
• Festivals
• Private Parties
• Fundraising Events
• Corporate Functions
• Churches and Schools
• Clinics and Workshops