Melvin Huston “Mel” McDaniel was born September 6, 1942 in Checotah, Oklahoma and passed away March 31, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee of lung cancer. He was the son of Olan McDaniel.

Mel married his high-school sweetheart on June 10, 1961 but they later divorced. He had one daughter, Danielle.

Mel lived in Nashville for forty years. He learned to play the trumpet in 4th grade and also learned to play the guitar. Mel had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since January 11, 1986. On June 16, 2009 he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with lung cancer on February 19, 2011. Mel’s big hit was “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On”, for which he will always be remembered.

Honors:
10/31/88 Mel McDaniel Day declared in Okmulgee, Oklahoma
2006 Induction into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame