Just back from Memphis where Roger Saint, Sue Price and I attended Willie Mitchell's memorial service at The Hope Church on the outskirts of the city. What a send off and fitting tribute to one of the true greats.

A veritable 'who's who' of soul music attended a presentation made up of speeches from friends, relatives, politicians and colleagues followed by a spectacular series of musical tributes. The Hi Rhythm section were augmented by a seven piece string section, eight (yes 8) horns, keyboards, grand piano and percussion as well as a bevy of background singers. Performances by Don Bryant, J Blackfoot, Otis Clay, Willie Clayton and Soloman Burke, amongst others, made it an afternoon to remember. And it was a great privelege to mingle afterwards with the likes of David Porter, Carla Thomas, Al Bell, Dan Greer, Ann Peebles, 'Pedro' from the Ovations, Mack Rice, Eddie Floyd plus many others. Everyone we met was courteous, overly hospitable and welcoming.Detailed article and tribute to follow.

Edited January 22, 201015 yr by Rob Moss

Sounds brilliant Rob and rightly so that everyone should turn out for someone who was so important to the landscape of Memphis music and soul music in general.

He will be sadly missed.

Just back from Memphis where Roger Saint, Sue Price and I attended Willie Mitchell's memorial service at The Hope Church on the outskirts of the city. What a send off and fitting tribute to one of the true greats.

A veritable 'who's who' of soul music attended a presentation made up of speeches from friends, relatives, politicians and colleagues followed by a spectacular series of musical tributes. The Hi Rhythm section were augmented by a seven piece string section, eight (yes 8) horns, keyboards, grand piano and percussion as well as a bevy of background singers. Performances by Don Bryant, J Blackfoot, Otis Clay, Willie Clayton and Soloman Burke, amongst others, made it an afternoon to remember. And it was a great privelege to mingle afterwards with the likes of David Porter, Carla Thomas, Al Bell, Dan Greer, Ann Peebles, 'Pedro' from the Ovations, Mack Rice, Eddie Floyd plus many others. Everyone we met was courteous, overly hospitable and welcoming.Detailed article and tribute to follow.

Although obviously a sad occasion, it sounds like exactly the sort of send off that Willie deserved. What a truly great man. Look forward to reading the tribute Rob.

Just back from Memphis where Roger Saint, Sue Price and I attended Willie Mitchell's memorial service at The Hope Church on the outskirts of the city. What a send off and fitting tribute to one of the true greats.

A veritable 'who's who' of soul music attended a presentation made up of speeches from friends, relatives, politicians and colleagues followed by a spectacular series of musical tributes. The Hi Rhythm section were augmented by a seven piece string section, eight (yes 8) horns, keyboards, grand piano and percussion as well as a bevy of background singers. Performances by Don Bryant, J Blackfoot, Otis Clay, Willie Clayton and Soloman Burke, amongst others, made it an afternoon to remember. And it was a great privelege to mingle afterwards with the likes of David Porter, Carla Thomas, Al Bell, Dan Greer, Ann Peebles, 'Pedro' from the Ovations, Mack Rice, Eddie Floyd plus many others. Everyone we met was courteous, overly hospitable and welcoming.Detailed article and tribute to follow.

Hi Rob

I would like to read your article and tribute too.

Thank you!.

Phil

Sounds like a nice send off. I saw Al Green live on Thursday night & he made no mention at all of Willie Mitchell. Although maybe the fact that almost all his famous songs he sung were co-written by Willie is tribute enough.

Just back from Memphis where Roger Saint, Sue Price and I attended Willie Mitchell's memorial service at The Hope Church on the outskirts of the city. What a send off and fitting tribute to one of the true greats.

A veritable 'who's who' of soul music attended a presentation made up of speeches from friends, relatives, politicians and colleagues followed by a spectacular series of musical tributes. The Hi Rhythm section were augmented by a seven piece string section, eight (yes 8) horns, keyboards, grand piano and percussion as well as a bevy of background singers. Performances by Don Bryant, J Blackfoot, Otis Clay, Willie Clayton and Soloman Burke, amongst others, made it an afternoon to remember. And it was a great privelege to mingle afterwards with the likes of David Porter, Carla Thomas, Al Bell, Dan Greer, Ann Peebles, 'Pedro' from the Ovations, Mack Rice, Eddie Floyd plus many others. Everyone we met was courteous, overly hospitable and welcoming.Detailed article and tribute to follow.

A short clip of it

Two of my all time fave artists as well, Don Bryant and Otis Clay.

Edited January 25, 201015 yr by Dave Turner

Here's an interview from 1984 in which Willie talks about Al Green and the Royal Studio

that was lovely m8 many many thanx

So gr8 to see DON BRYANT in such fine form

Treasured memories 4 sure