Mel Lewis

Mel Lewis
Lewis in 1978
Background information
Birth name	Melvin Sokoloff
Born	(1929-05-10)May 10, 1929 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Died	February 2, 1990(1990-02-02) (aged 60) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instrument(s)	Drums
Years active	1954–1990
Labels	Atlantic, Blue Note, VSOP, Solid State, Nimbus, Telarc, A&M, Philadelphia International

Melvin Sokoloff (May 10, 1929 – February 2, 1990), known professionally as Mel Lewis, was an American jazz drummer, session musician, professor, and author. He received fourteen Grammy Award nominations.