 Steeped in tradition, with a voice containing a hint of all the great country voices before it, Ken Mellons sings from the heart to the heart. The Curb recording artist grew up in Music City USA, where every step he has taken is a step toward sharing his love of music with those who would listen. All through school he sang; assemblies, pep rallies, talent contests and then the day jobs; carpet salesman, shoe salesman, grocery clerk. These were the dues he was paying but his guitar was never far from him. As day turned to evening, Ken Mellons could be found singing in small clubs around Nashville. And those dues can take their toll but Ken Mellons could not be deterred. One of his strongest motivators was at a talent contest he didn't win. His idol, the late great Keith Whitley, was a judge, and while Ken did not win he took away a prize which has constantly reinforced his belief in himself. Whitley signed the top of a popcorn box, which Ken still has, with the words "keep singing." Mellons still visits Whitley's grave whenever he needs to contemplate or reinforce his dream. It's no wonder that the timber of Ken's voice reflects the hurt and heartache which was so much a part of the soulful sounds of Whitley. In a voice which is unmistakably his own, Mellons still plays homage to the great traditionalists who came before him like Haggard, Jones, Vern Gosdin, and John Anderson. While the legends have been important to Mellon's development, he still acknowledges the faith of his parents and their belief in him, as well as the encouragement and support of his young bride, Stephanie, whom he married in 1995. Also with him, sharing his hopes and dream has been Jerry Cupit, his producer, friend, and confidante. And then there's Bud Wendell, one of the most influential men in the development of country music, who happened to hear Ken singing and arranged for his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Ken Mellons is a country singer, pure and simple, whose voice has been shaped by the sounds of yesterday, but he's been able to take those sounds, blend them into what's happening today, and present country music with something that's brand new and dynamic. He's been on this quest practically his entire young life and nothing will deter him.
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