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Melvin Edward Price was born on October 13, 1920, in Easton, Maryland. He was an American
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Price served in the Army in the 35th Infantry Division, also known as the Santa Fe Division, where he often entertained his fellow soldiers with his music. For his service Price was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, three Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge. He was present at the Battle of the Bulge.
In 1945, he was discharged from the Army and formed a country music band, the Santa Fe Rangers, which he had promised to do while in service. Price's love for country music enabled him to travel around the world entertaining troops for USO tours. The Santa Fe Rangers were the only group with more overseas tours than even Bob Hope,
In 1946 Price began a long-running radio show, Mel's Old Country Music Show, which aired every Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. He recorded music from 1949 to 1966, playing guitar, harmonica, and fiddle. He recorded for Coleman, Regal, RFD, Sante Fe, Blue Hen,
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/ref> and he had the opportunity to meet and perform with renowned musicians such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley.
/ref> Price released about 30 recordings over 15 years, and wrote several songs, including "How Many Times", "I Know I've Lost You", and "Little Dog Blues"
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Personal life
/ref> In 1950, he married Hazel Draper, with whom he had three daughters.
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