Rubin Mitchell

Rubin Morris Mitchell (July 11, 1927 – December 21, 1972) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1956 through the rest of his life.

Early life

According to his WWII draft card, he also went by Myles for his middle name. On August, 1951 Mitchell was signed to Colombia Records by J.J. Johnston, however before he could release any music, he was conscripted for the Korean War. He served in Korea from 1952 to 1954. Two early records were released under his birth-name in 1951 and 1953 "After Hours In Haiti" and "Mambo After Hours", both on OKeh Records.

As early as July 1963, Rubin Mitchell was headlining venues in upstate New York. Mr. Mitchell grew up in the West Indies and in the South. His musical training includes study at the Julliard School of Music. Prior to 1956 when the Trio was formed, Mr. Mitchell played solo. At the Flamingo Club in Las Vegas, he shared bandstands with such top music personalities as Count Basie and ppHarry James]]. He has also accompanied ppJudy Garland]], Jack Benny and Ray Bolger on the piano. Between 1960 and 1962 he had an 18-month residency at The Flamingo in Las Vegas.

Starmaker Records

The earliest known releases by Rubin Mitchell was on Starmaker Records, a Jazz Label from New York City. First releasing two 7" singles ("Li'l Liza Jane" and "Dardanella") followed by a full-length album ("The Golden Hands Of Rubin Mitchell"). All three releases were recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, most famous for being the rehearsal space for Arturo Toscanini and his symphony orchestra in the 1930s.

Capitol Records

According to the Schenectady Gazette newspaper of March 7, 1967, Mitchell was playing in the Albany-Troy, New York, area before being signed to Capitol. The Capitol Disc Jockey Album (February 1967) described him a "young pianist whose style and talent have already made him an East Coast Legend." According to Joe X Price writing for Variety Magazine: "Without a doubt, this Rubin is the most electrifying pianist I've ever heard! I predict his spellbinding piano sound will start a nationwide craze. Wherever he's played, they've dubbed him 'the Remarkable Rubin.' After hearing this album, I can understand why. This guy is fantastic."

On June 18, 1967, he made his National television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. On 1969 Mitchell appeared on the "Here's To Veterans" Radio Show episode 1084, where he discussed his time stationed in Korea.

Discography

Albums

"The Golden Hands Of Rubin Mitchell" (pre-1967)
"Presenting Rubin Mitchell" (1967)
"The Remarkable Rubin" (1968)
"Alright, Okay, You Win" (unknown year)

Compilation Appearances during his lifetime:

"The Capitol Disc Jockey Album" (February 1967)
"The Capitol Disc Jockey Album" (June 1967)
"Silver Platter Service From Hollywood: Sides 257 & 258" in 1967
"eight-track stereo 6548" (1967)
Compilation "Traumreise" released in Germany 1968
Compilation "Big Band Ball 1" released in Germany 1968
Squeeze Play: "60-Second" Breaks From Capitol (1968)
"eight-track stereo 6574" (1968)

Death

He died in Miami, Florida on December 21, 1972. His wife, Louise, later petitioned for the Army to assist with a gravemarker.