C. R. Melton

In 1946, Melton (1913-1976) founded The All American Quartet, a gospel singing group organized in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Before forming the group, Melton had been an employee affiliated with the massive Manhattan Project until September 1945. While The All American Quartet was perhaps best known for the sheer volume of turnover in personnel, Melton was a fixture in the group from its inception until it disbanded in 1970. According to a website dedicated to Southern Gospel music, "Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, approached Melton early in Elvis's career to ask whether the All American Quartet would be interested in serving as the backup singing group for Elvis. Melton is reported to have told Parker that the group was a gospel quartet and they were not interested." Melton's wife, Mrs. C. R. Melton, was known to sing alto and play piano for the group.