Me and Melvin Van Peebles

As I researched my show on Melvin Van Peebles I remembered sitting in Melvin’s kitchen. I haven’t drunk booze in years, but the closest I came to back sliding was when Melvin asked me to drink with him. He soon understood I didn’t drink and that was cool. He still treated me like a fellow brotha. Even like a son.

He was old and not as sharp and young in mind as the person he was when he directed the groundbreaking film Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song. But his appearance was just as together and wonderfully flamboyant.

Today I just want to thank him for hosting me in his flat so graciously and warmly. We must have been there at least two hours and it seemed for him the party had just started and we were welcome to stay.

Melvin Van Peebles – writer, musician and the godfather of soul cinema.

Special thanks to Jared Nickerson of the Burnt Sugar Arkestra for taking me to Melvin’s spot to introduce me to him.

Listen to the Is Black Music show on Melvin Van Peebles

Playlist:
I'll Wait For You – The Sun Ra Arkestra
Three Boxes Of Longs Please – Melvin Van Peebles
You Ain't No Astronaut – Melvin Van Peebles
Come On Feet Do Your Thing – Melvin Van Peebles
Funky Girl On Motherless Broadway – Melvin Van Peebles
Put a Curse On You – Melvin Van Peebles
I Got The Blood – Melvin Van Peebles
You Gotta Be Holdin Out Five Dollars On Me – Melvin Van Peebles
Heh Heh (Chuckie) Good Morning Sunshine – Melvin Van Peebles
Salamaggi's Birthday – Melvin Van Peebles
I'll Wait For You – The Sun Ra Arkestra