It was once said, if you looked up the word ‘cool’ in Webster’s dictionary, a picture of the 
incomparable Mel Corbino would magically appear.
Smooth, charismatic and enchanting were terms of endearment that, not only described Mel’s persona, but also described his musical style.
Born in Pennsylvania, Mel Corbino started playing his first instrument, the piano, in elementary school. Everyone knew then that he had the innate quality of a supreme musician. As he grew into an adult, and joined the United States Air Force, Mel played music in various venues throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
After leaving the Air force, Mel settled in Omaha, Nebraska. He was once the only Black person in the Omaha Symphony. He was treated like a King in Omaha, because of his incomparable gift of playing Pumba, drums and many other percussion instruments.
Mel played up- right bass with such notable musical Jazz greats such as Sonny Firmature, Roy Givens, Richetta Wilson, Luther Woodruff, Big Daddy Sails and many others. Mel simply played music for the love of it.
Two of Mel Corbinos very talented children, Melony Watkins and Mario Corbino are nominees for induction into the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame.
He is been married for 25 years and currently is retired and living in Oakland, California with his lovely wife, Joyce.
