R.I.P.: Singer, Former S-A Radio Personality Mel Waiters

Mel Waiters

Former radio personality and popular R&B singer Mel Waiters died Thursday morning.

He was 58-years-of-age

A longtime performer on the famed Mississippi recording label Malaco Records, Waiters died early Thursday after a short battle with cancer, his booking agent's office confirmed.

Waiters was popular for years on the blues festival and touring circuit across the south, thanks in part to his soulful party songs like "Hole In The Wall" and "The Smaller The Club".

Waiters was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where he honed is voice in both the church choir and in nightclubs beginning in the early 1970s. Before his recording career, he worked as a radio DJ and as an entertainer on military bases.

Waiters grew up on the East Side at the East Terrace projects. He started playing music while in junior high in the Gotson Brothers Band.

He had a long career at local radio stations. Waiters first job was at KEDA 1540 AM. Later, he was a popular on-air disc jockey at KAPE.