Producer, talent scout and publisher, Lester Melrose had a hand in nearly all of the Blues that emerged from pre-World War II Chicago. He developed a signature sound, ‘the Melrose sound’ from the artists that he worked with over the years, and the music he recorded bears this recognizable mark.
Melrose wanted to make records, but first approached the music business by selling them in a store he opened with his brother. The urge to record music continued to tempt Melrose, and he sold his half of the company for a chance to be a talent scout and producer. Early in his career he found success via the Paramount Records best seller ‘It’s Tight Like That.’ The song was recorded by Melrose find The Hokum Boys, featuring Tampa Red and Georgia Tom Dorsey.
Melrose went on to work for RCA/Bluebird and Columbia Records. He remained one of the Blues leading producers and talent scouts in the Blues world until his retirement in the 1950’s. Although he died in 1968, the sound he created continues to be heard in the recordings of artists like Big Bill Broonzy, ‘Sonny Boy’ Williamson, Lonnie Johnson, Big Joe Williams and Washboard Sam.
— (Blues Foundation press release, 1999.)