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Al Melgard (October 4, 1890 inDenmark – June 18, 1977) was anorganist for theChicago Stadium, from 1930 until he retired in 1974.[1]
Melgard, who lost his leftindex finger in an accident as a child, played the Stadium'sBarton theater organ masterfully. He played at nearly two thousandChicago Blackhawkshockey games and over four hundredChicago Bullsbasketball games, and hundreds ofprofessional boxing matches.[citation needed]
Melgard was born inDenmark. Hs family moved toChicago when he was six months of age. He grew up in the city and attendedHyde Park High School there.
After retiring, Melgard moved toLas Vegas and died in 1977 at the age of 86.[2]
Audiences at Chicago Stadium between 1930 and 1974 enjoyed performances by Al Melgard, who played the gigantic stadium organ.
