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Producer And Musician Willie Mitchell Dead at 81 |
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Written by MATTHEW LAMBERT
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Saturday, 09 January 2010 |
Willie Mitchell, a prominent producer and musician in the genres of soul, jazz ,R&B and rock and roll, died this week at the age of 81. Mitchell, who found success as a producer during the 1970s with Hi Records, helped launched the careers of artists like Al Green, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, Syl Johnson and Denise LaSalle. The legendary producer contributed to such recent albums like John Mayer’s “Continuum,” Rod Stewart’s “Soulbook,” and Buddy Guy’s “Skin Deep.” Mitchell’s sound of leading horns, kick drum beats and organs became a staple throughout Hi Records success through the 1970s. Mitchell passed away last week after suffering cardiac arrest.
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Willie Mitchell
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March 23, 1928 - January 5, 2010
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“Poppa Willie,” as he was known, started playing the trumpet when he was just eight years old. His natural talent led him to fronting a large touring band in his early teens and onto his earlier twenties. After a stint in the Army, he returned to Memphis and became a well-known fixture in the city’s jazz clubs. His career with Hi Records began in 1961, where he was signed as an artist and created a few small hits. His career hit its stride though when he became a producer in the late 1960s and early 70s.
Mitchell discovered Al Green in 1968 and immediately went to work on creating Green’s famous hit “Let’s Stay Together.” The duo went on to create a number of top 40 hits, including “Call Me,” “Tired of Being Alone,” “Look What You Done For Me,” and “You Ought to Be With Me.” After co-owning Hi Records for nearly ten years, Mitchell and his partners sold the label in 1979.
Mitchell went on to form Royal Recording Studios in the early 1980s where he continued to work before passing over day-to-day operations to his sons in the 1990s. He continued his work as a producer through the last ten years, most recently with singer/songwriter Solomon Burke. In 2008, Mitchell was honored with the Trustee’s Award from the Grammy Foundation. The award recognized Mitchell’s contributions to the soul and jazz field throughout his 60-year career as a musician, producer, arranger and songwriter. Mitchell is survived by two sons, two daughters and three grandchildren.
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