b. Willie Mitchell, 23rd March 1928, Ashland, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 5th January 2010, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis Tennessee, U.S.A.
A trumpeter (from the age of 8 years) and bandleader in his own right, Willie released a number of popular singles for Hi Records as an artist in the 1960s, which included 'Soul Serenade'.
Willie Mitchell owned the Royal Studio where the artists Buddy Guy, John Mayer and many others recorded.
During the 1970s, Willie also owned Hi Records, based in Memphis.
Willie will, probably, be best remembered for his production work with the Soul singer Al Green.
Willie was later presented with a Trustees Award from the Grammy Foundation in 2008.
Willie and his band also provided the music at several New Year's Eve parties for Elvis Presley at Presley's Graceland home.
He and Al Green revived their successful recording partnership in 2003 when Al recorded 'I Can't Stop', his first collaboration with Willie since 1985's 'He is the Light'.
This release was followed by the album 'Everything's OK'.
A Memphis boulevard was named in his honour in 2004.
Tragically, Willie suffered a cardiac arrest on the 19th of December 2009 and died at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis at 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday the 5th of January.
Albums:
20-75 (Hi 1964)
It's Dance Time (Hi 1965)
That Driving Beat (Hi 1966)
It's What's Happening (Hi 1966)
Willie Mitchell Live (Hi 1968)
Soul Serenade (Hi 1968)
Solid Soul (Hi 1969)
On Top (Hi 1969)
Soul Bag (Hi 1970)
Robbins Nest (Hi 1970)
Hold It (Hi 1971)
Listen Dance (Hi 1971)
