Now handing out hot towels in heaven

Calvert DeForest, better known as Larry "Bud" Melman, died this Monday after a long illness. Some of my favorite memories of television in the 80's involve Melman's appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. When he was found by producers of the show, he was working as a file clerk at a drug rehabilitation center. Next thing you know he's interviewing and delivering hot towels to bus patrons for Letterman.


According to News From Me, Letterman had planned a tribute to Melman Tuesday night, but had to call in sick with the flu (Adam Sandler hosted at the last minute.) Last night's episode was taped Monday and tonight and tomorrow's are reruns, so it won't be until Monday (3/26) before Dave and Paul can share their memories.

As far as music goes, who can forget his memorable appearance on Run-DMC's music video for "King of Rock."

But one thing that's quickly forgotten is his one foray into the music business, producing and curating a collection of seductive lounge songs for a record compilation called Calvert Deforest's Erotic Experience. The album seemed like a quick capitalization on the success of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (it features soundtrack staple "Soul Bossa Nova" from Quincy Jones,) but it was a complitation that held it's own. It featured classics from Henry Mancini, Count Basie and Arthur Lyman as well as newer tracks from Combustible Edison and Tipsy. That's some serious swank.

Playlist: Calvert Deforest's Erotic Experience

While not as swanky as the rest of the compilation, DeForest contributed his own track, a bizarre version of "Tequila" under the moniker Calvert & the Craftmatics.

More: DeForest's first appearance was to introduce the first episode of Late Night with David Letterman (YouTube)

tags: music, album review, obituary, brian eno, calvert deforest, larry bud melman, letterman, lounge+music, quincy jones, henry mancini, tipsy, combustible edison, rhapsody