Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Willie Mitchell, R. I. P.

Willie Mitchell, Al Green producer, dies - CNN.com: "Willie Mitchell, the Memphis producer whose percussive, string-and-horn-tinged R&B sound shaped '70s hits by such artists as Al Green and Ann Peebles, died Tuesday. He was 81.

Mitchell had been having health problems and went into cardiac arrest in December, according to his grandson, Lawrence.

Mitchell 'was doing music all the way till he couldn't,' his grandson, whom Mitchell helped raise, said. He worked on Rod Stewart's most recent album, 'Soulbook,' as well as Solomon Burke's forthcoming CD."

Hat tip to Todd Mason.

2 comments:

Patrick said...

The Lasting Tribute website in the UK has updated its memorial pages to include Willie Mitchell.

http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/mitchell/3221882

It's a respectful memorial to the man and his work and somewhere to pay tribute to the family's fortitude at this difficult time.

And they monitor EVERY comment so that nothing offensive or inappropriate is published.

StevieG said...

http://djstevieg.podomatic.com/entry...11_00_38-08_00

The legend that is Willie Mitchell passed away last Tuesday. He was an amazing musician and producer for over 50 years and even recently he was making great records. Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright, Syl Johnson and many more benefited from his unique southern soul sound, and I love his music so much that I've gathered some of my favourites together in a mix that I broadcast on my Black on Red show last Saturday, paying homage to a musical legend. If you like this please go and investigate further his amazing catalogue and delve deeper into the work of these great singers. Some of this music is well known, while much of it is under-rated and under-recognised, despite heavy sampling from the likes of the RZA. It deserves a wider audience. Willie Mitchell R.I.P.

Love And Happiness Al Green
Call me Al Green
Tired Of Being Alone Al Green
i'm still in love with you Al Green
Let's Stay Together Al Green
I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down Ann Peebles
Anyone But You Syl Johnson
All Because Al Green
Come To Mama Ann Peebles
Get Back Baby Al Green
Trying to Live My Life Without You O.V. Wright
You Say It Al Green
you ought to be with me Al Green
I Want to Hold Your Hand Al Green
Let It Shine Al Green
L.o.v.e. Al Green
If I Could Reach Out Otis Clay
I Only Have Love Syl Johnson
Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) Al Green
Gotta Find a New World Al Green
lets get married Al Green
full of fire Al Green
Take Me to the River Syl Johnson
take me to the river Al Green
Back For A Taste Of Your Love Syl Johnson
Keep Me Cryin' Al Green
Young People Willie Mitchell
Slipped, Tripped And Fell In Love Ann Peebles
That Ain't Right Woman Don Bryant
The Champion Willie Mitchell
That Driving Beat Willie Mitchell/Various
My Babe Willie Mitchell
Groovin' Willie Mitchell
Soul Serenade Willie Mitchell
True Love Al Green
Star Bright Star Lite Syl Johnson
Here I Am (Come And Take Me) Al Green
I've Never Found A Girl Al Green
look what you done for me Al Green
Don't Do It Syl Johnson
Keepin' Down Confusion Syl Johnson
livin for you Al Green
So Good to Be Here Al Green
Nickle And A Nail O.V. Wright
A Long Road O.V. Wright
For The Good Times Al Green
Let's Straighten It Out O.V. Wright
Trouble, Heartaches & Sadness Ann Peebles
I Can't Stand The Rain Ann Peebles
I'm Glad You're Mine Al Green
Strong As Death (Sweet As Love) Al Green
Could I Be Fallin' In Love Syl Johnson
I Can't Get Next to You Al Green
A Little More Time O.V. Wright
How can you mend a broken heart? Al Green

also free download of my Stevie Wonder documentary too

http://djstevieg.podomatic.com/entry...11_27_29-08_00