Melvin Epstein, known professionally as Mel Powell, was born on February 12,
1923, in New York. He began his career as a pianist, studying under Nadia
Reisenberg and performing with Benny Goodman's orchestra. During World War II,
he served in the Air Force Band led by Glenn Miller. After developing muscular
dystrophy, Powell shifted his focus to composition and teaching. He studied at
Yale University under Paul Hindemith, earning a Bachelor of Music in 1952.
Powell taught at various institutions, including Mannes College of Music, Queens
College, and the California Institute of t...