Grover Mitchell, a soloist with soul and expressive vocals, is most well-known for his association to swing greats. He has a very likable, appealing tone that was influenced largely by Tommy Dorsey. He was born in Whatley, Alabama and grew up in Pittsburgh. In the early 1960s, he moved to California. Mitchell was a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra in 1961, and then briefly worked with Lionel Hampton in 1962. He joined Count Basie’s orchestra that year and remained with them until 1970. Mitchell returned to Basie in 1980, and remained there until his death in 1984. Mitchell began writing music for TV and film in the 1970s. He was featured in the 1972 hit movie Lady Sings the Blues, starring Diana Ross as Billie Holiday. In the 1970s, he started leading his own bands. He was part of a large band that recorded for Jazz Chronicles during the 1970s. A Basie-ish orchestra recorded for Stash in the second half the 1980s. Mitchell recorded for Ken and has been the Basie “ghost Orchestra” leader since 1995. The quiet-toned trombonist died after a long battle with cancer.
