Alton Merrell is a pianist extraordinaire, music producer, educator, arranger and composer.

He leads his own group "Prophecy" an instrumental and vocal ensemble incorporating jazz, gospel, funk, and classical music styles in their repertoire. The mission of his group is to create music that will minister love, healing, joy, deliverance and peace to people around the world. Alton's latest award winning CD "You're The Reason" embodies this vision.

Alton is also president of Minstrel Enterprises LLC., a music production company providing concerts, workshops, music instruction, consulting, arranging, and studio recording services.

Alton holds a Master of Music Degree in piano performance with an emphasis in Jazz and Classical Piano from Youngstown State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education graduating Cum Laude. He is currently pursuing a PhD in music on full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh.

Alton has received numerous honors including: Gospel Jazz Artist of the Year, American Gospel Music Award, Best New Gospel Jazz Artist & Producer, Captital Jazz Festival Competition Finalist (2008),YSU Jazz Quintet Member of the Cultural Exchange Group performing in Beijing, China (Summer 2002.) YSU Jazz Quintet Member of the Cultural Exchange Jazz Group performing in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, China (Summer 2004) where a number of Alton’s compositions and arrangements were performed. Selected to perform in a master class with world renowned jazz pianist Danillo Perez at TRI-C Jazz Festival (2002), Who’s Who Among America’s High School and College Students; Member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society; Tri-C Jazz Festival Special Performance Citation from city of Warren’s probate judge Thomas Swift and the International Association of Jazz Educators, Recipient of Outstanding Performance award with Y.S.U. Jazz Ensemble I in Big Band Category of the 2000 Down Beat magazine student music awards,Recipient of Founces M. Luley Music Scholarship.

Mr. Merrell has ministered with gospel artists Kim Burrell, Martha Munizzi, Donnie McClurkin, Alvin Slaughter, Dorothy Norwood, LaShunn Pace, Rev. Timothy Wright, and Parkes Stewart. He has also been seen several times on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel Show. Mr. Merrell has also performed with jazz artists: Wynton Marsallis, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Phil Woods, Marvin Stamm, Maria Schneider, Ivan Lins, Kenny Burrell, Billy Pierrce, Conrad Herwig, Sean Jones, Leslie Lewis, Frank Foster, Roger Humphries, and Jim Rupp. He has also been a member and soloist with, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland State Jazz Heritage Orchestra, Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, YSU All-Star Alumni Jazz Ensemble, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, and the OMEA Intercollegiate All-Star Jazz Ensemble.

Alton’s life is dedicated to exalting and magnifying the name of the Most High God with excellence, power, and authority! Alton and his wife Kimberly reside in Pittsburgh, PA with their son Jaden.