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MEL CHEREN:
GONE WITH THE PARADISE…
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Words are missing to express how I feel since I’ve been told about the news of your passing, Mel. But in reverse, I’d like to think that you’re now standing by the countless of those of your brothers and sisters who’ve already gone…
My dear Mel,
I feel like an orphan, surrounded by an immense emptiness and I’m pretty sure I’m far from being the only one. With you now definetely away from our sight, I guess it’s to many of us a significant part of the things which have made us becoming who we are that comes back to our minds, not to say a part of our lives. From the countless anonymous clubbers who’ve made the Paradise Garage their home at the time to the fans who’ve come to the disco/funk sound because of you among a handful of others, to those, as countless, you’ve graced both with your love, commitment and faith in a brighter future, here in your native America as elesewhere in the world.
As I said to you in Miami back in 2002, living on the other side of the Pond, I was far from figuring that our paths would cross one day when buying my first West End 12’’. I mean, America where I’d never got at the time was to me synonymous with the notions of dream and freedom, not to say fantasy. I was lucky enough to be given WBLS mixed tapes by a friend of mine whose sister was livin’ in NYC, whereas we could discover the latest sensations from the Paradise Garage (thanks to the late Frankie Crocker) which we couldn’t wait havin’ on 12’’. And although this might seem kinda crazee, if not fetichist, I remember myself havin’ a quick smell inside when opening those sealed goodies, as if it was like gettin’ a little breathe from America in the mean time. So it is to say how the way you’ve welcomed me as a member of your family touched the deepest of my heart and gave some extra sense to my life as an observer and my dedication to the cause which has had us meeting.
My dearest Mel, today I cry the loss of a spiritual father but as on such circumstances, I guess – and this applies to all of those who’re in the same case – I’d rather focus on the positive side of the things being the moments and the souvenirs we’ve shared and the consistent legacy you live behind you, such as your continuous enthusiasm despite your numerous sufferings, your incredible energy, not to mention what you’ve built along with time.
As far as I’m humbly concerned, I can’t think of a better way to honour your memory than keep on spreadin’ to the attention of the new generations what you’ve taught us along the years: Music is the message and love is the answer…
With my eternal love, Mel. R.I.P.(aradise)…
Frederic ‘MFSB’ Messent
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