Influential producer and artist in his own right Willie Mitchell died on 5 January, 2010, aged 81.

The Mississippi-born and Memphis-raised soul man entered the music business as a child trumpeter, playing with local big bands. He went on to play with such big jazz names as Booker Little, Charles Lloyd and George Coleman.

In the late 1950s he became a producer, first at Home of the Blues and then Hi Records.

Becoming something of a father figure at Hi, he earned the nickname ‘Papa Willie’ and steered the company to its biggest success. He was best known for signing Al Green to the label and he produced many of Green’s records, including breakthrough hit Let's Stay Together in 1971.

He also established an acclaimed session group, the Hi Rhythm, whose sound was derivative of Booker T. and the MG's but showcased Mitchell’s natural talents in the studio.

He released his first solo record in 1963 and made another 16 instrumental albums over the next forty years.

In later years he did production work for R&B-influenced British stars like Rod Stewart and Keith Richards.

Soul singer Otis Clay, who was producer by Mitchell in the 1960s, said: “I’m terribly saddened. This man was like my father. I learned so much from him. What he taught me is how I’ve survived in a business that hasn’t always been kind. But Willie was always kind, and he treated me like a son. And I loved him that way.”