RIP Willie Mitchell

[Canine Horror]

(Memphis 1/5/2010) Legendary music producer Willie Mitchell died Tuesday morning.

Mitchell is best known as the man who signed Al Green to Hi Records and as the producer of Green's most popular records.

Mitchell had his own successful recording career during the 1960's.

He was born on March 23, 1928, in Ashland, MS and was raised in Memphis.


http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-willie-mitchell,0,7509000.story

[Staxsun]

Truly sad. He was a great man and had a great ear.

[Apostrophe (')]

Truly sad. He was a great man and had a great ear.

a great ear indeed, one not afraid to bring bass and drums to the front of the mix. RIP.

[Gards]

Just read an interesting interview with Al Green in the December Rythms Mag.
in which Al talks about the chance of him and Willie working together again,in which he ironicaly said about the 2 of them"We Thought We Would Be Slowing Down,But We Are Speeding Up"

RIP

[Gards]

very interesting interview with Willie Mitchell on air as we speak on rrr.org.au

[Marc Stone]

Bummer, one of the true greats

[Leni]

His arrangements for Al Green's early albums were so original. Very spare and restrained -- all the better to showcase Al Green's voice.

[revjimk]

Speaking of Willie M, I urge everyone to visit Memphis, not only for the live music but awesome Sun & Stax/Volt Museums (didn't bother with Graceland)
What a learning experience... I was taking notes off the wall displays at Stax. Did you know that "Knock on Wood" & maybe "Midnite Hour" were written at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was killed? Only integrated motel in Memphis at the time, Stax was integrated but not air conditioned, so they'd go there for swim breaks in the summer (now National Civil Rights Museum, also a must)
They even have a lil dance floor with endless loop of "Soul Train" (at Stax)
Sun is amazing too, same sound proofing tiles on the ceiling from back in the day, vibes are INTENSE! I got back to Denver about 11pm, got out my acoustic guitar, Elvis & Howlin Wolf records, & before I knew it, it was dawn, music still drivin' me!
Of course I bought the books on both studios, excellent....real American cultural history
rev

[sharon_loves_fats]

Speaking of Willie M, I urge everyone to visit Memphis, not only for the live music but awesome Sun & Stax/Volt Museums

It's on the must-do list :)

[Staxsun]

Don't forget to let me know you're coming. I love showing off my city and meeting Threadheads.