Melva Houston is a jazz and blues vocalist whose experience includes more than 20 years of live performances across the US and internationally. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Melva began her career with gospel performances. At the age of 16, she moved into R&B as a backup singer for Stax Records where she recorded with R&B greats such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett and Sam and Dave. Melva made her first tour of Europe with the Platters and starred in a Motown Revue. Once Melva discovered jazz and blues, she found her musical passion and has been performing these styles for most of her career. Her performances include jazz standards and blues featuring songs from the jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Nina Simone. In her concerts, Melva is accompanied by her band of excellent musicians. Today, Melva tours the US, Spain, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the Caribbean on her mission to keep jazz alive. In addition to her concerts, Melva also conducts vocal workshops for aspiring singers. By sharing her passion, energy and love of music, Melva has received the adulation of countless audiences around the world.