As I have mentioned before, my goal when I decided to write a series of columns on Memphis music and musicians was to educate the reader on the Memphis sound and the excellent musicians that created and maintain it. When Jim Dickenson died, I wanted to recognize other Memphis musicians before it was too late. I am afraid I dropped the ball as far as Willie Mitchell is concerned. Like Jim Dickinson, Willie Mitchell was one of the architects of the Memphis sound; he died last Tuesday of cardiac arrest. He was 81.
Willie Mitchell was 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. Willie Mitchell created his own Memphis sound, a uniquely sophisticated brand of funk.
In fact he put together one of the best rhythm sections in the world calling it “Hi Rhythm” and he made stars of Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, O.V. Wright and Syl Johnson.
In 1969 while on tour with his Willie Mitchell Band, he met a young singer from Michigan in Midland, Texas and brought him back to Memphis, his name was Al Green. Mitchell persuaded Green to stop trying to sound like Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett. Just sing like Al Green, he said. 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.
When Joe Cuoghi, the founder and President of Hi Records died in the summer of 70, Willie found himself in charge of the label.
The hits began with Al Green’s 1970 cover of the Temptations “I Can’t Get Next to You.” Mitchell’s production skills were impressive from the very beginning. He used the trumpet as a prominent instrument, kept the beat steady throughout the song, added organ flourishes, and made sure that it sounded both gritty and elegant. The team kept cranking out the hits into the mid 70’s.
While working at Hi Records as an arranger and producer, he helped make “I Can’t Stand the Rain” (1974), a hit for Ann Peebles, in part by crafting a memorable introduction with electronic percussion simulating the sound of rain. The insistent, rolling groove of “Take Me to the River” (1975), recorded by Syl Johnson, inspired a later cover version by the Talking Heads. “Trying to Live My Life Without You” (1972), a hit for Otis Clay, became a pop hit for Bob Seger in an almost note-for-note arrangement.
Mitchell eventually co-owned Hi Records in addition to Royal Recording Studio, also in Memphis. He became synonymous with the Memphis soul sound even though he was born in Ashland, MS.
In 2003; Mitchell produced Green’s album, I Can’t Stop, as well as its follow-up, 2005’s Everything’s OK. Both albums were recorded at Mitchell’s Royal Recording Studio and once again displayed that classic Mitchell-Green sound. They made the old sound new.
The legendary producer contributed to such recent albums like John Mayer’s Continuum, Rod Stewart’s Soulbook, and Buddy Guy’s Skin Deep. Mitchell’s sound of leading horns, kick drum beats and organs became a staple throughout Hi Records success through the 1970s.
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.
Willie Mitchell was much more than a talented musician, arranger and producer. He was a man who never forgot where he came from. He remembered trying to get his music heard when he was starting out, so he would take the time to listen to anyone who asked him to.
He was a humble man with a compassion for his art, who was willing to share his knowledge, talent and his home (studio) with those who were as passionate about their music as he was. His impact on Memphis and music is immeasurable. There will never be another one like him.
If you have any comments or questions please send them to me at Mitch.SunTimes@Gmail.com.
(Mitch McCracken has been involved in the music business for over thirty years working in both the radio and record industries.)
Heber Springs, Ark. —
