Billy Mitchell (pianist)

William Allen Mitchell (born November 23, 1943) is an American jazz pianist, music producer, composer, and author. He is also known for his community work with at-risk youth.

Billy Mitchell
Birth nameWilliam Allen Mitchell
Born (1943-11-23) November 23, 1943
Tarrytown, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz, smooth jazz, swing
Occupation(s)Musician, producer, arranger, author, community activist
Instrument(s)Piano, keyboards
Years active1970–present
LabelsPausa, Vista, Optmism, PRC
Websitewww.billy-mitchell.com

Career

Mitchell was born November 23, 1943, in Tarrytown, New York,[1] and raised in Buffalo. His father was a Baptist minister and community activist. Mitchell was introduced to the piano as a child by his mother but resisted all formal instruction. Instead he learned to play the piano by listening to the music and jazz recordings of the day.

Mitchell attended Morehouse College[2] in the early 1960s, where he majored in history and political science. Between classes he would sneak into the music department to play jazz. He joined an off-campus jazz group, performing before an audience for the first time in a local talent show. In search of a career in music, he moved to Los Angeles in 1970.

He formed the Billy Mitchell Trio in the 1970s, which later became the Billy Mitchell Group.[3] During the 1980s and 1990s he performed at clubs and festivals, including the Sedona Jazz Festival.[4]

During the 1980s, Mitchell wrote a monthly column for Gig magazine that advised musicians about work and career. His book The Gigging Musician (Hal Leonard Publishing) is based on his Gig magazine articles, as well as interviews with industry professionals.[5]

Mitchell appeared in the Bird (1988) directed by Clint Eastwood film, playing the part of Charlie Parker's pianist.[6] He also appeared in Jazz, a docudrama about the lives and experiences of black musicians.[7]

In 2002, Mitchell founded The Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy (SAPPA)[8] to increase participation of inner-city students in music and art scholarship competitions. SAPPA also sponsors music workshops that provide free music instruction in various programs throughout the Los Angeles area. Mitchell established the Watts-Willowbook Conservatory and Youth Symphony.

Awards and honors
  • Gold Crown Award, Pasadena Arts Council, 2006[9]
  • Local Hero Award, KCET and Union Bank, 2010)[10]
  • Living Legend Award, Living Legend Foundation, (2012, July)

Discography

As leader
  • Blue City Jam (Pausa, 1984)
  • Night Theme (Pausa, 1986)
  • Faces (Vista, 1987)
  • In Focus (Optimism, 1988)
  • Live All Night Long (USA,1996)
  • Passion (USA,1998)
  • Never Give Up On Love (Paras, 2000)
  • The Traveler (Vista, 2006)
  • The Circle Of Friends-LIVE (Vista, 2011-14-17-19)

References
  1. Steward, Zan (December 26, 1966). "Now on a Happier Note: Billy Mitchell". Los Angeles Times.
  2. "Musician Sees Jazz as Gift to the Children". Star-News. August 17, 1984.
  3. "The Billy Mitchell Band". Music Connection. May 29 – June 11, 1989.
  4. "Sedona Jazz on the Rocks features famous educators, artists". Green Valley News & Sun. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  5. Heckman, Don. "New Book Sheds Light on Getting, Keeping Jazz Gig". Los Angeles Times.
  6. "Movies: Billy Mitchell". Black Elegance. Vol. 2, no. 8. April 1988.
  7. "Jazz Sweeps Awards". Los Angeles Sentinel.
  8. Piasecki, Joe (June 21, 2007). "One on One, Musical Mentor Billy Mitchell Helps Lead a Generation Out of Crisis". Pasadena Weekly. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  9. Wilson, Larry (March 10, 2006). "And the envelope, please". Pasadena Star News.
  10. "Local Hero: Billy Mitchell". KCET. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
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