Buckeye Beat

Home
Bands and Performers
Labels
Venues
Works
Radio
TV
News
About the site
Contact Us

Melody Mates


Cleveland,  late 1950s - early 1960s

The Melody Mates were active in Cleveland during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The only info we could find about them was that they played local clubs at the time, including an engagement at Al-Mirs Hide-A-Way Room where they are described as a 'twist band' - a description that was used for just about any band that was not playing classical music in 1962. 

Over a few years, they recorded 3 45s.  All their 45s seem to have been recorded at Audio Recording, with Vlad Maleckar's name prominent. Jimmy Testa was probably the guy involved with songwriting and publishing. Guitarist Gene Toney, who played on some early Testa productions, was a member, and according to an ad,  two others named Joe and John. One of their 45s was released on the Nix label from Pittsburgh which was operated by Nick Cenci. He is the narrator on "Enchantment", probably their best known song. 

The group name resurfaced in the 1980s playing 50s music.

Discography:
Autumn Love / Just Plain Guit  - Decca 31000,  Nov. 1959
Enchantment / Promenade - Nix 100, Nov. 1960
Lonely Melody / Rhythm Trend - Mate no #, 1961, Rite master 6549/50