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Jimmy Ross
Jimmy Ross (10 April 1936 - 21 March 2000) - also known as Mel Turner - was a singer born in Trinidad and Tobago. Ross was born as James Albert Abraham, but several years later changed his name to Ross, the last name of his Mother. Over the years Ross enjoyed success internationally with hits like "First True Love Affair", "Fall into a Trance" and many others. His music turned heads all over the world and is still enjoyed my many in the U.S., across Europe and even Brasil.

==Early years ==

Ross was born in Port of Spain (Trinidad) where and his parents lived for the next years. At a very young age they moved to New York where Jimmy grew up. At a very young age he had the desire to join the U.S. Navy. As a cook he boarded the ships to prepare the marines' meals. It was there that his talent as a musician were quickly discovered. His fellow Marines were convinced of his capabilities and encouraged him to sing for them. Whenever they weren't at sea, Jimmy would hit local clubs and bars to get some extra cash.

== Career == Years later Ross moved to London, U.K. where he lived and performed. It was in Europe he got to meet up with a band named "The Bandits" in the 60's. They joined up and Ross became known as Mel Turner from here on. Mel Turner and the Bandits (as their band was called) wrote numerous songs that would melt the hearths of many. Songs like "Daddy Cool", "Let Me Hold Your Hand" were made by the band.

After that success story came to an end, Jimmy moved on to pursue his dreams. He got engaged with yet another band called The Mohicans. With them too, he joined up for a number of songs under the band name "Mel Turner and The Mohicans", their most known successes were the songs "Doin' The Ton" and "I Can't Stand Up Alone".

Settling down in Europe, Ross made a career as a live artist performing daily at an amusement park in Belgium. He and the owner became friends and Ross agreed to perform at his park, attracting thousands of enthusiasts. For the next 30 or so years, he stayed at the park helping it to become one of Belgium's largest. In 1982 however, he got involved with the Italian Stefano Pulga with whom he wrote his first real break-through. The song was called "First True Love Affair" and enjoyed many success. It topped the charts in the U.K. Dance Tops and was featured on several other lists. It was accompanied by another song on the album "Fall into A Trance" that enjoyed similar success.

Soon Ross would settle down and take things a little bit easier. Still helping out at the amusement park in Belgium, he wrote countless songs and brought out a few other albums. The most remembered "A Portrait of Mel Turner". A very personal and honest album with some of his finest work.

== Later life and death ==

Early 90's Ross met the love of his wife, Nadia with whom he had 2 children; Joy and Clement James. Together with Nadia's other 2 children they became loving and happy family. Faith had it's own plans however and Ross was diagnosed with Lung Emphysema (COPD) in 1993. After a long battle, encouraged by his quickly growing children Ross fought for 7 years. He sadly passed away on 20th March 2000, surrounded by his loving family.

Singles

 * Rock my soul (1964)
 * Humpy Dumpy (1965)
 * The hermit and the rosetree (1965)
 * Rock my soul (+ The Jokers) (1965)
 * Where is she? (+ The Pebbles (1966)
 * Tall dark stranger (1968)
 * They killed the king (1968)
 * Jungle Harlem (1970)
 * Cinderella (1973)
 * Rufus, my son (1975)
 * Sweet Lorraine (1977)
 * Fall Into A Trance (1981)
 * First True Love Affair (1981)
 * Chocolate Ice  (1982)
 * New York To Moscow (1984)
 * Pussy Night
 * Sad Sam (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * S.O.S. Of Love (First True Love Affaire )
 * Love Will Never Die (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Million Miles (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Passenger (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Sing'in The Rain (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Stay With Me (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * People In The Village (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Silver Castels In The Skies (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Time And Time (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Blankenberge In Winter (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * Nobody Cares For Me (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)
 * My Life (A Portrait Of Mel Turner)