Mount Airy Downtown, Inc.

Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. is partnering with a group of Melva Houston's family and friends to create Melva's Alley located on Market Street in Downtown Mount Airy. This space will honor her legacy and will be a place that inspires community and creativity, just as Melva did. 

Melva Houston was a friend to all. She was a beautiful jazz, blues, and gospel singer who lived in Mount Airy for over 40 years.  A native of Memphis, TN, Houston toured Europe for much of her 30-year career, and she became a star in Germany in the process. She started in Memphis as a backup singer for many of the Isaac Hayes-produced hits on the Stax label. Recently, Houston has been a member of the Greensboro-based Gate City Divas. The group, which features eight veteran female performers who sing and play multiple instruments, finds its influences in R&B, funk and blues.

Melva was a charismatic and accomplished performer who instilled her magic in every song she sang. She was the voice. Houston also performed at the Carolina Blues Festival in surrounding areas and with the Gate City Divas at the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festivals. Locally, the Mount Airy resident was known for jazz and blues vocals, but even more for her community work. She was founder of the Thanksgiving Meal, which provided a hot, traditional Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of local residents each year. Houston rolled up her sleeves and pitched in with the army. This is the Melva we knew and loved, a giving heart and a loving smile that we will always remember. 

We thank you for your contribution honoring the life and legacy of Melva Houston. Melva's Alley will feature a large photo-realistic mural of Melva, a plaque telling her story, lighting, seating, plantings, and more. We hope to complete the project by Spring 2021. 

With thanks,

Lizzie Morrison
Main Street Coordinator
Mount Airy Downtown, Inc.