Producer, musician, songwriter, trumpeter, and record label chief Willie Mitchell passed away this morning in Memphis at the age of 81. Mitchell was best known for being one of the principal architects of the so-called “Memphis sound,” and for his collaborations with soul legend Al Green.
Mitchell was born in Ashland, Miss., and in the ’50s and ’60s had a successful career as a soul band leader. In 1970 he took charge of the Memphis-based Hi Records label and signed Al Green.
For the next six years Mitchell produced a string of hits for the singer including “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “I’m Still In Love With You.” He also oversaw albums for Ann Peebles and Syl Johnson and, more recently, collaborated with John Mayer.
Mitchell was a tireless booster of Memphis musicians. “The players here can do anything,” he declared in 2007. “I don’t give a damn if it’s opera or R&B, pop or country. They do it all.” Hear Green work his Mitchell-helmed magic on a true classic, below:
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Photo credit: GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images
RIP.
amen. Call Me is a stone classic.
I remember when Willie Mitchell came to our house in Memphis. I was about 10 years old. My dad was also a trumpeter. My uncle Lewie Steinberg was the first bassist for Booker T. and the MGs and co-wrote GREEN ONIONS. Another uncle played with Rufus Thomas and the Bearcats, Morris Stsinberg. They all were crossing paths on many Memphis sessions. But the day Willie stood next to my piano to listen to me play changed everything. Later years, I went on to record my own albums with Atlantic, ABC, Word Records and even performed as ina a movie as “Lucy” in the RSO production of SGT PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS BAND with Frampton and the BeeGees. However, every time I play the piano, I remember that long lanky guy standing there an encouraging me! Rest In Peace Willie Mitchell!