Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 20, 1927 in New York City, NY

Death

:

November 8, 1992 in Salem, OR

 

Red Mitchell was an American jazz double bassist, composer, and poet who was born on September 20, 1927, in New York City. He was raised in New Jersey and began playing the piano at a young age. However, he switched to the bass in his teenage years and quickly became proficient in the instrument. Mitchell's professional career began in the late 1940s when he played with the Woody Herman Orchestra. He then went on to play with a number of other jazz greats, including Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday. In the 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles and became a sought-after studio musician, playing on numerous film and television soundtracks. In addition to his work as a bassist, Mitchell was also a talented composer and poet. He wrote a number of jazz standards, including "Red Cross," "Blues for Sarka," and "Valse Hot." He also published several volumes of poetry, including "Red Mitchell: Jazz Poems" and "Red Mitchell: Selected Poems." One of Mitchell's most notable performances was his appearance at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. He played with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, which also included Mulligan on baritone saxophone, Art Farmer on trumpet, and Bill Crow on drums. The performance was recorded and released as an album, "Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Chet Baker and Red Mitchell at Newport." Mitchell also received a number of awards and honors throughout his career. In 1992, he was inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1993, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study the music of different cultures. Despite his success as a musician, Mitchell struggled with addiction throughout his life. He was open about his struggles and even wrote a book about his experiences, "Red Mitchell: Out of the Shadows." He eventually overcame his addiction and continued to perform and record until his death in 1992. In conclusion, Red Mitchell was a talented and influential jazz musician who made significant contributions to the genre as a bassist, composer, and poet. His performances with some of the greatest jazz musicians of his time, as well as his own compositions and poetry, have left a lasting impact on the world of music. Despite his personal struggles, Mitchell's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

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