Mitchell was born November 23, 1943, in Tarrytown, New York, 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 in the early '60s, where he majored in history and political science. Between classes, he would sneak into the college’s music department to play jazz, which was not allowed in the music building. Mitchell joined an off-campus jazz group, performing with a band before an audience for the first time in a local talent show. In search of a career in music, Mitchell moved to Los Angeles in 1970. He formed The Billy Mitchell Trio in the 1970s, which later became The Billy Mitchell Group. The band was active in the 1980s and '90s,performing at clubs and jazz festivals, including the Sedona Jazz Festival.
Early recordings
Billy’s first solo effort, Blue City Jam, was released on Pausa Records in 1984. His second album, Night Theme, captured the funky, urban flavored vibe of the Quiet Storm format just before the advent of smooth jazz, followed by Faces and In Focus. After an excursion into swing and three live recordings, Live All Night Long, Cat’s Pajamas and Passion, Mitchell returned his smooth jazz roots with the PRC release Never Give Up On Love and Vista Records’ The Traveler.
The Billy Mitchell Group
Producer
Mitchell’s work as a producer spans over four decades and dozens of recordings cover a wide spectrum of genres.
Author
During the 1980s, Mitchell wrote a monthly column for Gig Magazine called "Road Warrior", that gave professional advice to musicians dealing with the issues of work and career. His book The Gigging Musician is based on Mitchell’s Gig Magazine articles, as well as interviews with industry professionals.
Actor
Mitchell appeared in the classic Clint Eastwood film Bird, playing the part of Charlie Parker’s pianist. He also appeared in Jazz, an award-winning docudrama about the lives and experiences of Black musicians.
Community work
In 2002, Mitchell founded The Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy 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 also established the Watts-Willowbook Conservatory and Youth Symphony, where he serves as executive director.
Discography
As leader
1984: Blue City Jam
1986: The Cat’s Pajamas
1987: Night Theme
1989: Faces
1992: Billy Mitchell/John Bolivar – LIVE – All Night Long
