The story
Billy Mitchell (born in Kansas City, Missouri, November 3, 1926, died Rockville Centre, NY, April 18, 2001) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, and occasional actor.
He was a driving force and major influence in the post WWII Detroit modern jazz explosion. He influenced and employed many local musicians who later went on to fame, including and . He is best known for his work with The and The big band of the 50's and 60's..... Mitchell and trombonist left Basie in late 1961 and formed the Al Grey/Billy Mitchell Sextet, which won the Downbeat Award for best new jazz band of 1962! This band also officially introduced vibraphone future star . Besides leaving and re-joining Basie's band several times in the 60's, Billy was an important figure on Long Island (his home) and Manhattan in the educational area of jazz; he was mentor and friend to Alto Saxophonist, , and LA trombonist/composer-arranger .
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