News:

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Willie Mitchell.

An accomplished trumpeter who led one of the region's premier bands of the '50s, he made the transition to recording star at Hi Records in the '60s. At Hi he became a vital part of the organization by engineering, producing, scouting talent and eventually running the label. A true renaissance man, Willie Mitchell created his own Memphis sound - a uniquely sophisticated brand of funk.

He put together one of the world's greatest rhythm sections - Hi Rhythm – featuring Teenie Hodges on guitar, Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass and drummer Howard Grimes. He made stars of Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, O.V. Wright and Syl Johnson, creating recordings still revered, covered and sampled to this day.

In 1968 while on tour with his Willie Mitchell Band, he met a young singer from Michigan in Midland, Texas and brought him back to Memphis. Together, he and Al Green made history, creating an unparalleled body of work featuring arguably the greatest voice in soul backed by Mitchell's unique mix of gritty southern R&B and elegant arrangements.

In 2007 he was recognized by the Memphis Chapter of The Recording Academy at The Recording Academy Honors. In 2008 he received an even larger honor from The Recording Academy at the 50th annual GRAMMY Awards - The Trustees Award.

His impact on Memphis and music is immeasurable. There will probably never be another one like him.

By L.K. from NARAS

In lieu of flowers please send donations to MusiCares in Willie Mitchell’s honor to the address:

MusiCares
1904 Wedgewood Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
877. 626.2748

or to the

Willie Mitchell Foundation and Scholarship Fund
1320 Willie Mitchell Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38106

The Visitation (Wake) For Willie Mitchell is:
Monday Jan. 11, 2009
from 2-7 pm Public@
N.J. Ford and Sons
Funeral Home
12 S Parkway W
Memphis, TN 38109-1635
(901) 948-7755

The Memorial is:
Wednesday Jan.13, 2009
2 pm @ Hope Presbyterian Church
8500 Walnut Grove
Cordova, TN 38018