Blind Melon is an American rock band most known for their success in the 1990s.

Reportedly, the name “Blind Melon” describes some hippies from Mississippi, as used (or coined) by Brad Smith’s father. Also, “Blind Melon Chitlin” was the name of a fictional bluesman appearing in a routine on the self-titled Cheech and Chong LP. These may be derivative of the name of an actual bluesman, Blind Lemon Jefferson.

Blind Melon signed to Capitol Records in 1991 and recorded an unreleased demo. Lead singer Shannon Hoon and Axl Rose (who was a friend of Hoon’s sister) re-met, and Hoon sang back-up on several Guns N’ Roses tracks, including Don’t Cry. The band’s self-titled debut album, produced by Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam), sold poorly until the single and music video for No Rain hit the airwaves and became a smash success, along with the popular video which featured the equally popular Bee Girl (played by Heather DeLoach). ... read more »