Rubin Morris Mitchell (July 11, 1927December 21, 1972) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz trio from 1949 through the rest of his life. According to his WWII draft card, he also went by Myles for his middle name.
Early musical career On October 9, 1949, The Rueben Mitchell Trio accompanied Joan Shaw who was 11 years old at the time and known as "The Hucklebuck Girl", headlining the Rockland Palace, in Miami, Florida.
In August 1951 Mitchell was signed to Columbia 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. In 1957, Reuben Mitchell performed (as a trio which included Chris Rouse and Dave Aikens) for twenty-eight weeks at the Flamingo Hotel; during this time he accompanied piano for Judy Garland on December 27, 1957. At the Flamingo Club in Las Vegas, he shared bandstands with such top music personalities as Count Basie and Harry James. He has also accompanied 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. The Rubin Mitchell Trio had an established a seasonal residency, six nights a week, at The Georgian Hotel in Lake George, New York. The residency at The Georgian lasted for three years.
Albums + Album Album Details The Golden Hands Of Reuben Mitchell Released: pre-May 1965 Label: Starmaker Records Formats: Vinyl Alright, Okay, You Win! Released: April 1966 Label: Capitol Records Formats: Vinyl Presenting Rubin Mitchell Released: February 13, 1967 Label: Capitol Records Formats: Vinyl The Remarkable Rubin Released: 1968 Label: Capitol Records Formats: Vinyl
Singles + Single Single Details After Hours In Haiti / Out Of Nowhere Released: 1951 Label: OKeh Records Formats: 10" Shellac Mambo After Hours / Tropical Blues Released: 1953 Label: OKeh Records Formats: 10" Shellac Li'l Liza Jane / Hallelujah I Love Her So Released: Pre-May 1965 Label: Starmaker Records Formats: 7" Dardenella / You're nobody til' somebody loves you Released: Pre-May 1965 Label: Starmaker Records Formats: 7" Alright, Okay, You Win / Don't Forget 127th Street Released: April 1966 Label: Capitol Records Formats: 7" My Liza Jane / Spanish Eyes Released: April 1966 Label: Capitol Records Formats: "7 The Fox / Fiddler On The Roof - Matchmaker Released: 1968 Label: Capitol Records Formats: 7" Loosen Up / Summer Dreams Released: 1968 Label: Capitol Records Formats: Vinyl
Death
He died in Miami, Florida on December 21, 1972. His wife, Louise, later petitioned for the Army to assist with a gravemarker.
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