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Mel Cheren

Born Melvin Cheren on January 21, 1933, in Everett, Mass. Cheren made his musical mark during the 1960s and 1970s by working with various record labels including Sceptor Records were he helped release some of the first twelve inch vinyl Disco singles and spearheaded the trend of putting an instrumental version on the B-side of 45 RPM seven inch singles.

In 1976 Mel Cheren along with business partner Ed Kushins, founded West End Records, which had major Disco hits with the likes of Karen Young (Hot Shot), Taana Gardner (Heartbeat) and Loose Joints (Is It All Over My Face). West End under Cheren's direction was able to make the transition from '70s Disco to the '80s Urban club sound. In addition Mel Cheren helped to bankroll the famous New York dance club, Paradise Garage, which was started by his partner Michael Brody.

Mel Cheren passed away from pneumonia brought on by complications from AIDS. Up until his death, he was very active in AIDS awareness and donated money, time and office space to AIDS victims and organizations.

Photos of Mel Cheren at the 2004 Dance Music Hall of Fame can be found at:
http://www.discomusic.com/101-more/3124_0_7_0_C/

More information on Mel Cheren can be found at:
http://www.westendrecords.com/staff/mel.php3
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/arts/21cheren.html?_r=1

 

 

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