Representative Albums: "Bluesiana", "Kansas City Frank Melrose", "Jelly Roll Stomp
Biography
Frank Melrose had a piano style that was often quite similar to Jelly Roll Morton's. He is best-known for his work in the late 1920s. Melrose spent nearly all of his working career in Chicago. He began on violin and then was largely self-taught on piano. Melrose recorded with Junie and Jimmy Cobb, Johnny Dodds, Jimmy Bertrand, the Beale Street Washboard Band, the Windy Rhythm Kings, the Kansas City Tin Roof Stompers and the Cellar Boys; he also recorded 13 titles as a leader from 1929-30, some under the pseudonyms of Kansas City Frank or Broadway Rustus. Although being in Chicago helped him gain some recognition in the late '20s, Melrose's decision to stay in the Windy City resulted in his obscurity during most of the 1930s. He worked at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair with Bud Jacobson, taught music, was with Pete Daily briefly in 1940 and occasionally worked outside of music. Melrose worked in local clubs up until his early death. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
