Mr. Melden Ciracque Byrd was born August 27, 1976 in Miami, Florida, to parents Melvin Ellis Byrd (deceased) and Veronica Crawford Byrd. He was the oldest of two sons.

Mel was baptized at an early age here at First Baptist Church of Bunche Park where he served on the Junior and Youth Usher Boards.

He attended Carol City Elementary School where he played drums, Lake Stevens Middle School where he played drums and trumpet. He attended and graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School.  He joined the chorus and developed a passion for singing.  While called Mel by family and friends, he was best known as "Melo".  He also took additional coursework at Miami Dade College.

He worked as a Security Officer at Miami Dade College, Loss Prevention Officer at Burdines and Saks Department Stores, Surveillance Operator at Magic City Casino, Telecommunications Officer/Dispatch with the cities of Aventura and Miami Beach Police Departments, Control Center Operator with Brightline Trains, and Lead Qualifications Coach with Education Dynamics (matching students to institutions of higher education).

Melo was a member of several musical singing groups. He was a member of Enter-Lude and Gentlemen of Color singing locally after school and weekends. In his pastime he loved to write songs and poetry. As he became an adult, his passion for singing became stronger. He was introduced to karaoke and would make a name for himself as a solo artist, known as Melo. His style was smooth, soulful and engaging. He became a performing artist with Showstoppers EntertainMint. He has performed at several venues and events throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

His calm demeanor and easy-going no-nonsense personality made him very likable. Mel had a good heart and was compassionate with those he met.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother Veronica C. Byrd, a son, Anthony Byrd, a daughter, Mickayla Byrd, a brother Douglas Byrd, a grandmother, Ella Crawford, Uncles Samuel Byrd (Mary) and Jim Crawford, Sr. (Betty), Aunts Jewel Warren (Carl) and Winifred Jones (Stanley, Sr.), and a host of loving cousins, relatives and friends and special friend Denicieh Caddle.