Mitch Mitchell, the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience has died at the age of 62. He passed away from natural causes November 12, 2008 in Portland, OR.
Mitchell, a London native, was in Portland for the final stop of the 18-city American tour of Experience Hendrix (a concert series celebrating the legacy of Jimi Hendrix) and was staying in town for a short vacation before heading back to England.
“We’re all devastated to hear of Mitch’s passing. He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend. His role in shaping the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated. Over the course of the recent tour, he seemed delighted with the interchange with the other musicians and the audiences. There is no question that he was doing what he loved.” – Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix, LLC
Starting off his career as a child actor, Mitch Mitchell starred in the TV series Jennings At School, as well as several feature films. But once Mitch discovered and fell in love with the blues, American jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll, he left acting behind and his life became all about music. By the age of 14 Mitchell was one of the top session drummers of the time; his technique was a mixture of jazz and rock styles, heavily influenced by artists such as Elvin Jones and Max Roach.
After joining the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966, Mitchell performed with Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding at the Monterey Pop Festival in June of 1967; the group’s first US appearance. Mitch was also with the group on August 18, 1969 when they performed the closing set at Woodstock.
Jimi Hendrix died in 1970, after which Mitchell went on to work with producer Eddie Kramer; completing work on the albums The Cry of Love and Rainbow Bridge.
Mitch Mitchell is survived by his mother, his wife of 24 years, a daughter, and two grand children.
Source: Vintage Guitar Magazine
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