 London is best known for his compositions for Chicago blues artists Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and Junior Wells as well as being the record producer and owner of Chief Records (and its Profile Records and Age Records subsidiaries).In 1954, Mel London wrote the first of several hit songs for the blues and R&B markets.His "Poison Ivy" was recorded by Willie Mabon and reached number seven in the Billboard R&B chart in 1954.