RIP Chuck Mitchell
Dirk Lockard
Monday, January 20, 2003 at his home near Baton Rouge at age 61. The
local Blues community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of a
great blues and soul singer,friend and living legend. A native of Baton
Rouge, visiting will be held at Hall's Mortuary, Port Allen, from 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. Friday. Visiting at Interdenomi-national Faith Assembly from 5
p.m. until religious service from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, conducted by
Pastor Guevera Johnson. Dismissal at 10 a.m. Saturday. Interment in
Southern Memorial Gardens. Further details available in the obituaries
column under "Geran" at...
http://br.theadvocate.com/obits/search.asp
Over the years, Chuck Mitchell sang with local blues artists, such as Slim
Harpo, Robert Milburn and the Neal family and some regional touring,
backing up national acts. He was a regular at Blues jams around the city.
His last performance was Saturday evening at Ruby's Roadhouse, near
Mandeville, with the band Coffee, substituting for Ernest Scott, who
ironically was recovering from a heart attack of his own. By day, a body
and fender man, Geran died after working most of the day sanding a 1956
Chevy pickup truck. Friend and fellow performer, Roy Stewart, was the
last to visit with him and commented that he didn't look well. Chuck just
said he was tired from working all day. When Roy drove by his house a few
minutes later, EMS was on the scene attempting to revive him.
There are only two known recordings distributed of Chuck Mitchell, both
45's recorded around 1970 with Buddy and Roy Stewart. Sadly, plans were
in the works for a CD project this year with Jimmy Simpson and former
Baton Rouge performer, Shannon Williford reported from Nashville that a
European tour and recording project were being planned. Several live
performances have been recorded and an effort will be made to assimilate
these into an issue for the benefit of the surviving family. The past few
nights, at blues jams around the city, musicians and fans have come
together to remember and sing the songs in tearful recognition, love and
respect.
As a personal witness, I saw Chuck as a loving man, devoted to blues and
the community. His later days were tinged with a sadness beneath a great
smile after the loss of his wife in 2001. His survivors include sons,
daughters, sisters, brothers, many grand-children and the entire community
surrounding Baton Rouge.
A collection of performance pictures can be found at the website for Baton
Rouge Blues.
http://r.d.lockard.home.att.net/
Dirk Lockard
NetSpace LISTSERV(R) software donated by L-Soft, Inc. http://www.lsoft.com
Tony Burke
Saw the obit on Chuck Mitchell any other biographical details?
Also do you have details of the 45 he cut with Buddy Stewart - they are not
listed in Blues Records.
Thanks
Tony
Dirk Lockard
by Entertainment writer, John Wirt. It is not available via the web.
Concerning the 45's, the only known copies exist at Buddy Stewarts Rock
Shop and are considered Stewart family heirlooms and not for sale.
Dirk
Tony Burke <to...@tonyburke.net> wrote in message
news:3E319331...@tonyburke.net...
Tony Burke
Many thanks for the info. I am atrying to track down the song titles, label,
release date etc.
These records need documenting somewhere - and where better than in B&R.
If anyone has details of the discs let me know.
Tony Burke
Many thanks for the info. I am atrying to track down the song titles, label,
release date etc.
These records need documenting somewhere - and where better than in B&R.
If anyone has details of the discs let me know.
Tony
hoodoojimmy
To a completely full sanctuary, Chuck was given a "homegoing" befitting the
joy he had in life. Among many performances were those of Raful, Larry and
Jackie Neal. Lil' Ray Neal played guitar throughout the service,
accompianing a truly spirited B3 player, though I don't know his name.
While speaking to one of Chuck's long time friends of Chuck's music, his
friend told me he had a 45rpm of Chuck's, "Her Precious Love", recorded in
the late 60's.
He graciously offered me loan of this 45 to add to the CD I am presently
compiling.
I had recorded Chuck last summer fronting Kenny Neal and Kenny's band. Kenny
last night gave me permission to use these recordings as part of the CD
project. I also have several cuts recorded live in 2001 at the "Thirsty
Tiger" club in Baton Rouge by Bill Boelens.
I'm looking for any other recordings, and will be working on this project
right away, with intentions of donating all profits to Chuck's family.
I will keep all apprised of progress.
HoodooJimmy