Birth date: Jul 21, 1951 Death date: Oct 29, 2022
On Memorial Day 2022, residents of an East Memphis neighborhood stepped into their front yards, drawn by the haunting tones of a lone saxophone. As Malvin Massey Jr. played “Taps,” his neighbors paused to reflect, the music servin Read Obituary
Anywone here who would know if Malvin ever played sax with the I.B. Special, the backing band for the Isley Brothers in 1965??? Write me at [email protected]
Malvin was such a kind and patient man. I learned how to be a great DJ with his guidance at the University of Memphis from 1990-1992. I was so nervous my first day at WSMS your total Jazz Connection and he was there to comfort me. I appreciated that in him because had he been overbearing and push I would not have made it the first week. His kindness and support gave me a career and I am still going on strong because of his graciousness for the craft. I will always miss his loving spirit till we meet again. RIP Malvin. ~LOVE~
Michael Ashley Kerr
From Gail Coen (Terry Coen's Widow):
Malvin was one of Terry's long time treasured music friends. Terry always looked forward to talking Jazz with Malvin on the phone, meeting up at events, and "doing the hang." Last time Terry and I were in Memphis, we all went out to lunch, and it was a truly memorable occasion...lots of stories, laughter and delicious Memphis dishes on the menu! We all promised we'd be together again soon, but time passed... and now they've both passed. RIP Malvin, and thank you for sharing all the great Jazz with your listeners.
I always loved hearing Melvin’s unique voice on the radio, and his lighthearted and love-filled comments. I didn’t know until just now, reading his obituary, that he was in the Memphis State Jazz Orchestra, and at the same time I was a music student there! I felt a deep pang of void when I heard today on the radio of his passing.
Malvin nicknamed me "Hollywood". My name is Angela Jackson. Malvin was my first introduction to being a professional radio announcer as a Communications' student at the University of Memphis. After my time at WUMR, Malvin gave me the platform, drive, support and confidence to go on to work for WLOK and iheart radio as an announcers and ABC24 as a TV traffic reporter. He taught me so much. All of the do's and don'ts. With Malvin, not only did I get him I got Phyllis too. I always felt like I was apart of his family. Malvin even called me, "Baby Sister". Malvin, Thank you for the memories and the lessons that I will forever cherish, Love "Hollywood".
David and I are extremely grateful and honored to have Malvin and Phyllis for three decades as our most valued, loved, treasured, exceptional colleagues as a brother and sister. Malvin was a giant, talented, gifted and creative professional with an extraordinary touch, taste, love, class, sophistication, compassion, professionalism and sensitivity for jazz and music extensively embracing diverse audiences locally, regionally nationally and internationally. This was an avenue and medium to connect, collaborate, engage and showcase The University of Memphis, the UMUR Station and the Communication and Fine Arts Department with renowned recognition and respect worldwide. Sisterly with love, Yvonne B. & David L. Acey, Sr.( Assistant Professor, Communication & Fine Arts Department, The University of Memphis)
