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John MitchellEnglish rock musician who played drums for Jimi Hendrix
Date of Birth: 09.06.1947
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Mitchell Mitchell (born John Mitchell on June 9, 1947) was an English rock drummer best known for his time with The Jimi Hendrix Experience. At a young age, Mitchell appeared on the children's television show "Jennings" before developing a passion for drums as a teenager.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
In the early 1960s, Mitchell played in several youth bands before recording with The Pretty Things. From 1965 to 1966, he starred with Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames. After the group disbanded, Mitchell and fellow drummer Aynsley Dunbar auditioned for Jimi Hendrix's new ensemble.
As bassist Noel Redding recalled, Hendrix "couldn't decide between them, so he tossed a coin." Fortune favored Mitchell, whose unique playing style complemented Hendrix's groundbreaking guitar work. The Jimi Hendrix Experience, featuring Hendrix, Mitchell, and Redding, flourished until 1969.
After Hendrix
Hendrix briefly left the group to form The Band of Gypsys, but The Jimi Hendrix Experience reunited in 1970 with Mitchell and Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox. In a tragic turn of events, Hendrix died from a drug overdose in 1970. Cox and Mitchell completed the album "Are You Experienced?" without him, releasing it in 1971.
Later Years and Death
Mitchell's career declined after Hendrix's passing. He played in various groups and toured with the Experience Hendrix Tour. In 2008, after a concert in Portland, Oregon, Mitchell was found dead in his hotel room. The legendary drummer died on November 12, 2008, at the age of 61.
