Jim Carroll / Irish Times interviewed Al Green 5 years ago and he mentions his fondness for the recently deceased Willie Mitchell who died last week. Willie produced for the likes of Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson and Al Green and was the heart of the Memphis scene since the 1960s.

One day, Al decided to get in touch with Willie Mitchell and he went by Willie’s house. Willie’s had some hard times – his wife and brother both died from cancer and he’s had his own battles – and Al was thinking about what he could do to make his old friend feel better. Hey Willie, he hollered, lets cut some rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues! Willie thought he was kidding and sent him away. That damn fool hasn’t cut a rock ‘n’ roll record in 18 years! The next time Al came round, Willie knew he wasn’t kidding. Hot damn, said Willie, you’re really going to do it.

Read the full Irish Times article.

The world lost a true legend last week. If your not familiar with Willie Mitchell’s work on his Hi Records label you need to get listening. A lot of sample based music has drawn from his work, so check him out.