Willie Mitchell, Memphis Musician and Producer, Dies at 81

Posted on Jan 5th 2010 3:35PM by Dan Reilly
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Willie Mitchell, Memphis musician and the producer of Al Green's iconic 1970s soul hits, died Tuesday morning. According to the Associated Press, the 81-year-old went into cardiac arrest on Dec. 19 and was admitted to Memphis' Methodist University Hospital, where he died.

Born in Ashland, Miss., Mitchell grew up playing the trumpet, later moving to Memphis. After working his way up in the business, including a stint as a session musician for Ike Turner, Mitchell signed to Hi Records, where he put out 'Soul Serenade,' a track that hit No. 23 on the U.S. charts in 1968. He would later become the music director and vice president of the label, forming a unique horn and drum attack that would become the label's trademark.

In the '70s, Mitchell, also known by 'Poppa,' produced much of Green's best work, including 'Let's Stay Together.' He also worked with artists such as Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, Otis Clay and O.V. Wright until Hi was sold in 1977. Till the end, Mitchell produced acts at his Royal Recording Studios, where musicians including Buddy Guy and John Mayer have recently recorded.

In 2003, Mitchell and Green teamed up again to record 'I Can't Stop,' which was followed two years later by 'He Is the Light.' In 2004, Memphis honored Mitchell by naming a boulevard after him, and the Grammy Foundation gave him a Trustees Award in 2008.

Mitchell is survived by a son, two daughters, two grandsons and a granddaughter.