Mel McDaniel Dies

We all know that irresistible sing-along 'Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On' from 1985, sadly the singer of that country classic has died of cancer at the age of 68.

Mel McDaniel passed March 31 after a battle with cancer.  Best known for his radio hits 'Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On' 'Stand Up' and 'Louisiana Saturday Night,' Mel was also a regular favorite on the Grand Ole Opry since his induction in 1986.

Mel began his career on Capitol records in 1976.  However, he didn't score his first Top 10 until 1981's 'Louisiana Saturday Night."  Then, he placed 9 more songs in the Top 10 including 'Right In The Palm Of Your Hand' 'Stand On It' 'Big Ole Brew' and 'Real Good Feel Good Song.'

In 1996, Mel survived a near-fatal fall into an orchestra pit during a concert in Louisiana.  Blinded by the stage lights, Mel miscalculated his steps and fell off the stage causing several neck and back problems.  Then, in 2009 as he was promoting his new album 'Reloaded,' he suffered a heart attack that resulted in a medically induced coma. 

In 2007, when I was producing my second live classic country concert, I was considering booking Mel McDaniel to perform.   When pitching the offer to his wife Peggy, she proudly said "Kevin, your fans will love his show!  It's 'Balls to the Wall' from the first song to the last!"

Ironically, Mel was born in the same town as Carrie Underwood, Checotah, Oklahoma in 1942.