Melvin Crispell

Bringing the Brooklyn sound of music to the church, Melvin Crispell is one of the most sought after writers/producers in the gospel music industry. Melvins mixture of what some would call Brooklyn Style and COGIC, (Church of God In Christ) makes this unique style of music undeniably his own.

Born and raised in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, NY, Melvin was born into a family of musicians, singers and dancers. Coupled with being raised in the church, Melvin soon found out that his destiny had already been written and trying to escape the music that was within would be like trying to live without breathing. Both sides of my family either sang, danced or played instruments, states Melvin. So being around music almost on a daily basis, at home and at church pretty much sealed what God had placed in me to do. My extreme love and passion for music and my love for God has truly shaped my destiny.

Influenced by such artists as Stevie Wonder, Butch Heyward, Bishop JC Wright and Walter Hawkins, Melvin realized that all of these possessed an originality that he admired. So, he decided to dedicate his music to diversity and rely on the leading of God to give each artist his/her own distinct sound, but at the same time maintaining his signature of originality. I have an original sound that works for different artists, states Melvin. Theres a simplicity to my work, but its very effective, effective because I allow God to have His way in each session.

Melvin has written and produced everyone from Grammy Award winner Hezekiah Walker to Stellar Award nominee, James Hall and has just completed his biggest project to date, Just As I AM. Just As I AM is the solo debut project from his wife, Tunesha Crispell. Im very proud of this project, says Melvin. My wife and I are a team and operate on one accord. I was able to exercise creative control over the production and lyrical content of this project and she came in and flowed perfectly over each track.

Melvin is also the President and CEO of Potbelly Music, an independent record label in which his wife, Tunesha Crispell is the first artist to be released. Potbelly is a label that caters to the fair treatment of artist, exclaims Melvin. When artists are signed to most major labels, they loose creative control of their projects in order to please the masses. At Potbelly Music, our artists are seeking to please God through music that is made to reach the masses. Therefore, the creativity that goes forth is from the power of the Holy Spirit and that will not be quenched.

Overall, Melvins ultimate desire is to be a great asset to the body of Christ and to leave a legacy for his son, Melvin Crispell, III. Through the gift of music that has been implanted into the very being of Melvin Crispell, its undeniable that he is well on his way to achieving the very desire of his heart.