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R.I.P. Willie Mitchell
Passed away last Tuesday. Legendary Memphis producer for Hi Records, most notably with Al Green.

"Willie Mitchell, 81, a celebrated trumpeter, arranger and producer for Hi Records who launched the careers of Al Green and other leading soul performers of the 1970s, died of cardiac arrest Jan. 5 at a hospital in Memphis.

In a career spanning six decades, Mr. Mitchell proved a hitmaker as a producer for singers such as Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, Syl Johnson and Denise LaSalle. He also worked with a wide range of rock performers including Rod Stewart and John Mayer.

Mr. Mitchell first made an impression as an instrumentalist. His 10-piece rhythm and blues group signed with Hi Records in 1959 and recorded a string of successful soul instrumentals, including the funk groove "20-75" (1964) and a remake of King Curtis's ballad "Soul Serenade" (1968).
Mr. Mitchell took over as the label's staff producer in 1970. With the Hodges brothers -- guitarist Mabon (known as "Teenie"), bassist Leroy Jr. and keyboardist Charles -- and drummer Howard Grimes, Mr. Mitchell had a crack recording unit that gave the label an instantly identifiable sound. Through his efforts, Hi Records competed with Stax Records as the main purveyor of the driving, funky Memphis soul style." From Washington Post.

Also worth a read, the New York Times obit. And 'Remembering Poppa Mitchell' from the Memphis Commercial Appeal.