Mel, Mel & Julian

The South African Rock Encyclopedia > Rock Legends > 1960s > Mel, Mel & Julian

Legends of South African Folk Music

Biography

Discography

Musicians

Mel, Mel and Julian 1966 (left-to-right): Julian Laxton, Mel Miller, Mel Green

Biography

Mel, Mel, and Julian, a South African folk group, emerged in 1965 from the Johannesburg folk scene. Initially a duo of Mel Green and Mel Miller, they gained popularity at the Troubadour Coffeehouse and the Johannesburg Folk Festival. After securing a recording contract and a residency at the Edward Hotel in Durban, they recruited Julian Laxton as their lead guitarist, completing the trio. Their unique blend of folk music, comedy (primarily from Mel Miller), and social commentary quickly set them apart from other bands of the era, who were mostly influenced by the British Invasion sound.

The group’s performances were known for their marathon sets combining music and humor, drawing large crowds to venues across South Africa, including long-running residencies in major cities and university concerts. Their distinct sound, characterized by tight harmonies, acoustic guitars, and Laxton’s innovative guitar playing, earned them comparisons to both The Kingston Trio and the Smothers Brothers, though they ultimately carved out their own unique niche. They released three LPs on Columbia Records, with their final album, “Miscellanea,” being recognized as one of the top South African folk albums of the time.

Despite disbanding in 1967 after a relatively short but impactful career, Mel, Mel, and Julian left a lasting legacy on the South African music scene. Their music was digitized in 2001 by Mel Green, making some of it available on CD and later on streaming platforms. Mel Miller went on to a successful career in stand-up comedy, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Mel Green continued to perform as a guitarist and singer-songwriter in the United States. He released his first solo album in 2010. Julian Laxton continued to play music in South Africa until his passing in September 2023.

Discography

Albums

Songs About Mines. People, Places & One Train
1965

Mel, Mel & Julian - Ethnic / Schmethnic — Ethnic / Schmethnic
2002

KEY
Title – Artist (Year) comments

Songs About Mines. People, Places & One Train – Mel & Mel (1965) with Julian Laxton on lead guitar
One More Town – Mel, Mel & Julian (1966)
Miscellanea – Mel, Mel & Julian (1967)
Ethnic / Schmethnic – Mel, Mel & Julian (2002) compilation of tracks from 1965 to 1967