Mel Street - Smokey Mountain Memories

Street was born in Rowe, Virginia to a coal mining family. Publications cite his year of birth as 1933, although his family maintains that he was born in 1935. He began performing on western Virginia and West Virginia radio shows at the age of sixteen. Street subsequently worked as a radio tower electrician in Ohio and as a nightclub performer in the Niagara Falls area. He moved back to West Virginia in 1963 to open up an auto body shop.
From 1968 to 1972, Street hosted his own show on a Bluefield, West Virginia television station. He recorded his first single, "Borrowed Angel," in 1970 for a small regional record label. A larger label, Royal American Records, picked it up in 1972, and it became a top-10 Billboard hit. He recorded the biggest hit of his career, "Lovin' on Back Streets", in 1973.
Street continued to flourish throughout the mid-1970s, recording several hits such as "You Make Me Feel More Like a Man," "Forbidden Angel," "I Met a Friend of Yours Today," "If I Had a Cheatin' Heart," and "Smokey Mountain Memories". He signed with Mercury Records in 1978. But, suffering from clinical depression and alcoholism, he committed suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, on October 21, 1978, his 43rd birthday. Sadly he had a record debut on the country charts on October 21 as well, a prophetic song called "Just Hangin' On". -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

[@shellylance3542]

I was a kid when mom and dad took me with them to see him at Hiawassee, GA. My mom swore he was looking at her. Lol. Still love this true country artist. Gone too soon.

[@Jamesedwards2753]

I can listen to this song over and over again and never get tired rest in peace Mel Street

[@GUNSnBACON318]

Great song written by the legendary Earl Thomas Conley.

[@dfish5647]

my mom, sisters and I got to see mel at Buck Lake Ranch in Indiana back in the 70's.. we love you mel! great singer! that's what you call country music! R.I,P, Mel

[@antoniofernandesdequeiroga6197]

He died so young...great loss for country music. Best regards from Brazil...i'm a great fan of the old and good country music.

[@bluestarlighting29]

One greatest hits song. This should be pure country music sound. Throw away junk music today. Bring back classic hits songs. Two thumbs up. God bless him in heaven. One greatest songwriters and singer. This song listen all day.

[@joeyford5047]

Mel was a dear friend and an incredible person. Every time he came to Houston, he would come by the house and spend some time with my wife and I before we would leave to attend one of his concerts downtown. I first discovered Mel when I was an early morning dj. I was sitting in a Waffle Shop when I heard Lovin On Back Streets on the restaurants juke box. I was awestruck by this remarkable song and the true soul of the singer! I asked our music director about it, got a copy and immediately became a fanatic about Mel’s music. I must have played the grooves off everything he recorded and over the next few years of knowing him, and singing his praises on the radio, we developed a close friendship and spent hours talking about true country music vs the Pablum Nashville churns out today. He was a terrific man, who loved his family, his manager JIm Prater and his wife, Betty. I never knew he suffered from depression until I heard about it after his untimely death. He was one of the most positive and caring persons I’ve ever met. RIP, Mel

[@jerrynewman1380]

Thank u

[@libertyann439]

You were so lucky to know the real man..usually we never get past the rumors.

[@cliffbrockoriginals7007]

You had an awesome friend.

[@jccoates867]

So sorry about Mel it breaks my heart he's gone he was a awesome singer wish he could have got some help I listen to this song over and over again and never get tired of it I love the video of cades cove a place of peace that I love spending my time at you ever go there you never want to leave...

[@darlenehajicek3773]

@@jccoates867 thank you for the information about Cade’s cove . Sounds beautiful

[@lynngalyon2559]

He sung true country music........

[@bayboyjc1]

I wish we could hear more of this real country music on todays radio. Can't get good music like this anymore

[@rayprice2461]

Country music as it is supposed to be. Compare this to the garbage coming out of Nashville these days....none. RIP Mel Street. You left us way too soon. God Bless your memory, songs, and genuine American Country Music!

[@haroldarmstrong8285]

Best Country music writer I believe who ever existed. Sure sorry he felt he needed to end things. RIP Mel

[@markhafkenschiel3872]

What a great song I miss this singer because his music was pure country, sung from the heart as only he could!! RIP Mel

[@michaelalexander8181]

I still cry each time I play this... My first visit was when I was only 12 years old in the 1950's. The frame captured in this video of the families watching a bear was about that same time. In the early 90's I lived within a 3 hour drive to the chimney tops and inbedded my love for the Smokies that cannot be removed. Too late for me now as my years are short. What a loss of Mel in 1978 at only 43 years old.

[@MrDante4]

One of the Greatest Songs of All Time !!

[@buddylowe2929]

I don't care who does this, this version is the one that will always be tops with me.

[@jessiegray1369]

Now this is true country music! RIP Mel, you sang wonderfully.

[@harrisjarriel8737]

Great song, Mel Street was another one of those great underrated country singers. So sad that his life end so early like so many of those before him. Thanks for posting

[@dragon672]

A True Country Voice. R.I.P

[@ballardevans8425]

What a great voice. By far one of the greatest songs ever sang . We lost a great man .

[@COWELLGIRL]

My favorite Mel Street song, we do it in all our Shows.

[@katierear8113]

I LOVE THIS SONG AND THE MAN SINGING❤

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

There's just something about 70s music, especially this type of it. I've always loved this song, ever since I was a kid. I was 7 or 8 when Smokey Mountain Memories came out. I wonder what day it was when I first heard this, and what I was doing that day? A day lost to time and memory.

[@brad04970]

What a Great song " it was tucked away in the back of my brain. What Wonderful time for Country Music I love it... Thanks Mel and R.I.P.

[@lewismiller8849]

u ...rrr a good man most people don,t know what "GOOD MUSIC IS" I DO ALL I CAN TO

[@ojadkins]

Don't comment on a lot of music I listen to here on the internet but Lord when I hear me a goodin' I can't hold back, I gotta say how much I like this older stuff. Won't condemn the new stuff today but I know what I like. This is real. As real as the hills in West Virginia.

[@bacsi19461]

He was awesome. This is such a wonderful piece. My family came from N. Carolina/Tenn. area. This takes me back to them.

[@lskiller1903]

I feel the very same way, my family comes from Hartford TN but I was raised in North Carolina.This has always been my favorite song ever. I'm a old tattooed rough neck, but only two songs have ever made me tear up everytime I have heard them in my life. Amazing Grace and Mel Streets Smokie Mountain Memories.

[@joycemorehouse545]

could listen to this over and over

[@jerryhutchinson1528]

written by Earl Thomas Conley. always makes me sad ,but I still listen .

[@jamesedwards5389]

my dad love that song Smokey Mountain Memories R.I.P Dad

[@allanmorrice1758]

I still think back to Feb 1972 when a Friend invited me to spend the weekend with his family in Knoxville, Tn. I met a young woman who didn't spit in my face for being a soldier with the 82nd ABN Division and she wanted to show me the Smoky Mountains. We ended up getting snowed in on Friday night and didn't get back until 1030 Sunday morning. Her dad met us in the driveway with a 12 gauge shotgun. I really thought I was going to survive the Jungles of Vietnam just to die in a driveway in Knoxville. I still love the song and still think about Carolyn forty years later!

[@allanmorrice1758]

Thomas McFarland And I thank you also sir! I often wonder what might have my life been like if I had gotten married to the young lady. It almost reminds me of another country song, Rocky Top, because I still do think about Carolyn even after all these years.

[@allanmorrice1758]

Thomas McFarland I thank you for reminding of that very fact. I have no idea what Jehovah has planned for me other than that whatever it is, IT WILL COME TO PASS, For His Word cannot fail. I have been in many situations where my life could have ended but HE saved me so that I will continue to serve Him in whatever way I can! God Bless and keep you safe.

[@timoshi119]

Allan Morrice and THOMAS4GOD thank you both for your service.

[@dlmullins9054]

+Allan Morrice Allan, great story. Songs like this bring memories. Thanks for your service too!

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

Great little story. Thanks for your service.

[@donaldewert2402]

What a great song by Mel. It gives me goosebumps, what a terrific singer. Milwaukee fan.

[@charlesfish5773]

Miss you so much Mel you were so amazing

[@FancyLadyFirst]

I've stood and gazed at these same trees, snow, cabins and hills in East Tennessee for almost 60 years. Thank you Mel for letting me sit here and FEEL the memories... Love you always.

[@jamesedwards688]

My Dad loved Smokey Mountain Memories R.I.P dad

[@bobbywallace1967]

I made some plans but they fell through now there's nothing left for me but my smoky mountain memories

[@shonagoobie1153]

lovely

[@countryboywilliams6755]

GOOD SONG FROM MEL...GREAT INFO ABOUT MEL....HE WAS A GREAT PERSON & ENTERTAINER~~~MAY HE R.I.P.

[@jww1799]

Brings back memories of how much I love Mel's sound.

[@bluestarlighting29]

Thank You very much share this video clip. God Bless him up in heaven now. Wrote one greatest hit song. Truly love it. Thank You. Once hear song kind take back good old days pure country music sound.

[@jameswilkey9434]

I sang this song when I was 15 years old I lol love his singing gone to soon

[@webbjr37]

One of Mel's best

[@patsyjohnson1785]

Wow , this man can sing!!!!!

[@jameshughes1385]

I remember hearing this song in the early 1970's in the mornings getting ready for school

[@boreddude85]

one of the most beautiful places on earth! i could see myself living somewhere near here!

[@wisentwisent9150]

This song is a really great sentimental tribute to Mel, RIP.

[@vitaltruth1]

Some of us old timers are displeased with some of the modern music; but there are some talented kids out there. I am almost Eighty Two; I am a lover of many styles of music. I absorb music as a sponge absorbs water. On my KZbin sit I have several lists of great artists of the future. What we love has a great analytical view of our personality. All beauty is determined or judged by our own personality.

[@hobertlee7598]

Brings Back Really Really Good Memories

[@MsBeaver2011]

I have loved this song for years. Makes me feel good just to hear it again

[@robcombs3785]

5 stars a great song; a great artist......

[@oungkarmaharaj5860]

One of the many greats in country music

[@francobrown6844]

He's definitely one of the greatest country singers of all time

[@lindadowning6249]

This song reminds me of home. But I was in the rocky mountains.

[@lewismiller8849]

PLEASE COME BACK MEL "NO" "BODY" MAKES MUSIC LIKE THIS ANYMORE!!!!!

[@debracompton5229]

Just amazing music, you don't hear this kind of talent anymore.. Just love Mel Street forever...

[@Jamesedwards2753]

My dad love this song he would play Mel Street songs on his 8 track all day long

[@janewellington9779]

I could listen to this all day such memories I have in this beautiful place with my husband he's gone now

[@mander1295]

BEAUTIFUL pictures of beautiful Tennessee!

[@kimberlytownsend1546]

love this song and mel singing it .. one of the best ,

[@poopstain565]

This was one of his best songs. I love it. CARL

[@bonebee1936]

LOVE MEL STREET AND I CRIED MY OUT EYES WHEN I HEARD HE HAD PASSED AWAY. RIP MEL.

[@SReece74]

This is my all-time favorite song by Mel.

[@newenglandpatriotsfan8466]

he died 7 years before I was born such a tradegy RIP Mel Street you will be missed

[@steveneedham1846]

Beautiful 😍 2020

[@ballardevans8425]

There isn't music like that anymore . The great ones. Are gone . R.i.p. all u are greatly. Missed

[@mosrite60]

Thanks for history. Very tragic for this great country singer. However, thanks to KZbin country fans can enjoy many of his hits. R.I.P. mos60

[@SuperJohneee]

Thanks Mr. Spolar, for the beautiful song and photos. those of us who prefer country or small town life can relate whether we are from the cold north country or our warm southland.Thanks again for the wonderful presentation.

[@StevenSpolar]

I appreciate the kind words, thank you.

[@jccoates867]

I love this place you ever come there you never want to leave love you Mel

[@bluestarlighting29]

Ever since was child bad hearing age 6 , music always lift you up. And songs use listen on radio stations and tv Tennessee beautiful place to vist on vacation. Few guy date but low income. High cost. But songs and old classic country music artist very special moments my life. Love pure country music sound sing from the heart. Always bright up my days. Fantastic song. Thank you.

[@maxwelld1961]

GREAT Great job on this video.The images are just awesome.

[@samdog4455]

what a great song from mel street love it

[@BANDITENT]

LOVED HEARING THIS SONG ON THE RADIO BACK IN 1975 WHEN I WAS A KID BACK UP NORTH NEVER THINKING I WOULD BECOME A RESIDENT OF EAST TENNESSEE JUST A SHORT 5 YEARS AGO. I LIVE CLOSE TO MANY OF THE SCENES IN THIS VIDEO.,..... LOVE IT HERE.

[@chrisbennett4493]

one of the best

[@Splub]

Great song! Reminds me of the days long past.

[@kimberlyjones9735]

one of my favorite songs,have a lot of smokey mnt memories,im so sad cause the fire destroyed slot of places I had good memories of.

[@kennedykiser557]

Kimberly Jones well, the fires can't destroy all you're memories though!

[@hondagoldwing1624]

One Of My Favorite.

[@hunterjames1627]

A indescribable feeling as I watch and listen to this video. Those mountains touch the deepest part of my soul!

[@philmtooth]

This song touches something in me that I cannot describe and I have never been to the mountains.

[@samcmahan6515]

First heard this song as a young girl, it has always stayed with me, this one & "Virginia's Song" I think Street was at his very best with these two songs......It's real True heartfelt Country Music at its Best.. Thanks so much for sharing it!

[@perfectsq4]

Love the song and the pics for this! Great job!

[@debbiericca5183]

Thank You Mr. Spolar ! This Is a Beautiful Video As well as The Song .. Your Heart Was In the Right Place When You Posted This One ! Awesome Memories Of Places I had Been To Perfect Words In a Song ! Deb.

[@preacher031163]

no matter the subject....when it comes from the heart u know......

[@davidfrancisco196]

Small community of Brushfork. Mel had the TV show going at the time (Country Showcase) on WHIS out of Bluefield. Mel's day job kept him busy painting cars. His business was located near Pinnacle Rock and on Route 52 north. I worked at Appalachian Power with his brother Harry. Mel is a legend in the southern WV area. Long live King Malachi Street.

[@jaytodd1686]

I am from the Ozarks and this song haunts me so much it may be the greatest country song all time. It always brings a tear. thinking of what might have been but I am not unhappy with my life just whay might have been. There was a girl

[@WAC551993]

I always thought Mel sounded alot like George Jones,so sad he took his own life on his birthday in 1978,loved his voice as well.

[@bluestarlighting29]

Bill Doe I truly agree 100%. Lots great country music artist will live on Forever in are hearts: it’s gift of pure country classic hits songs.

[@angelmurfpy6983]

So love this song ❤️

[@bethelshiloh]

Thanks for the post. It's one of my favorites.

[@ricksmith6686]

Thanks Steven this is great.

[@SimPilotRick]

wow I havent heard this song since it came out...I was just a kid, brings back some old memories of the Ranch and my long since gone family

[@ralphweatherly3099]

My dad really loved this song. Never did say just why..

[@Surferjo]

great song sad ending RIP

[@MrGSF77]

So awesome. The pictures and the music go hand in hand. Excellent!

[@angelmurfpy6983]

Woww so great song when I hear this song he played this for me when I'm with my lover he always sing this song for me feeling sad 😢 he is not with me for now so I just listen this music to always remember him until he back with me ...so please if u hear this music also my dearest sweetheart remember me also and come back now please I really need you here beside me r

[@muffa9128]

a great story , a fantastic voice , backed by some excellent , banjo and harmonica ... you end up with the perfect country song

[@jrhsr1]

I love the smokey mountains so living in South Carolina it not to far and going to moms in ten!!!!

[@mikewells7691]

so beautiful so beautiful

[@preschoolguy2010]

I think of Pigeon Forge,Gatlinburg,Knoxville,and Maryville when this plays

[@dianeprice3332]

Love this song so beautiful

[@janicebrooks1964]

My grandmas brother love listening to all them guys

[@gswaff8779]

Tennessee I love you :)

[@kendramiller5082]

im am fixing to be 14 and i love this song and my grandpa and grandma is the one's that loved me enough to show it to me and it is so sad that he died me and grandpa didn't know he died and it was so sad to here about it if you love this song give a description why you love it

[@bobbywallace1967]

It tells what its like to leave someone behind and realizing the grass isn't always greener on the other side and you can't go back

[@bonebee1936]

CRIED MY EYES OUT THE DAY THIS MAN DIED. LOVE YOU MEL.

[@joluttringer4450]

Congratulations for "your" awesome great high quality sound (all videos on Steven polar channel).

[@sebastian8596]

Makes me want to move to Tennessee

[@johnnycloud1307]

Fandamntastic!!!!!!!!!!!