Mel Carter

Cincinnati, Ohio native Mel Carter was one of the seminal romantic R&B singer of the 1960s, influenced by  both the gospel quartets of his youth and the crooning legends of the era, such as Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis.

Carter began his music career with small-label recordings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His breakthrough came in 1965 when he signed with Imperial Records and released his signature hit, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.” The tender ballad soared to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart, becoming a timeless classic.

While “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” remains his most iconic hit, Carter enjoyed success with other memorable songs, including “Band of Gold” and “You You You.” Both tracks showcased his ability to deliver heartfelt performances with smooth, soulful elegance. He also recorded standout tracks such as “Take Good Care of Her” and “When a Boy Falls in Love,” which resonated with fans of romantic ballads.

While his chart presence waned in the years that followed, Carter continued to record and perform, showcasing his versatility across genres, including R&B, jazz, and standards. In addition to his music career, he made notable forays into acting, appearing in films and television shows such as Quincy, M.E.Sanford and Son, and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Song of the Month

K.Avett

"Peace For Me"

Album of the Month

Teri Tobin

"Forever"

Choice Cut

Russell Thompkins, Jr.

"Hello Love"

Choice Cut

Sargent Tucker

"The Presence of You"

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.