Grover Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grover Mitchell
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Grover Curry Mitchell |
| Born | 17 March 1930 Whatley, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | 6 August 2003 (aged 73) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, bandleader |
| Instruments | Trombone |
| Years active | 1960–2000 |
| Labels | Stash, Ken |
| Associated acts | Count Basie Orchestra |
Grover Mitchell (born March 17, 1930 – died August 6, 2003) was a famous American jazz trombonist. He was also a talented bandleader. He is best known for leading the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
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Early Life and Music
Grover Mitchell was born in Whatley, Alabama. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In school, Grover played the bugle. He really wanted to play the trumpet. However, his school band needed a trombonist. People said his long arms were perfect for playing the trombone.
Grover was part of his school's orchestra. He played alongside other musicians who later became famous, like Ahmad Jamal and Dakota Staton. When he was just sixteen, he started playing with King Kolax's band in Indiana. These were called "territory bands" because they mostly played in one region.
Military Service and Jazz Career
In 1951, Grover Mitchell joined the U.S. Marines. He continued to play music in a military band. After leaving the Marines in 1953, he moved to San Francisco.
In San Francisco, he worked with many jazz greats. These included Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, and Duke Ellington. From 1962 to 1970, he was a member of the famous Count Basie Orchestra. Count Basie himself once told Grover that he sounded like the famous trombonist Tommy Dorsey.
After leaving Basie's orchestra, Grover spent about ten years working in television and movies. He then returned to the Count Basie Orchestra in 1980. He stayed with the band until Count Basie passed away in 1984.
Leading the Count Basie Orchestra
After Count Basie's death, other musicians led the orchestra. Thad Jones became the leader, followed by Frank Foster. Then, in 1995, Grover Mitchell took over as the bandleader.
As the leader of the Count Basie Orchestra, Grover Mitchell achieved great success. He won a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. He won for the album Live at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in 1996. He won another Grammy for Count Plays Duke in 1998.
Grover Mitchell passed away in New York City at the age of 73. He died from cancer on August 6, 2003.
Grammy-Winning Albums
- Live at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (1996)
- Count Plays Duke (1998)
See also
In Spanish: Grover Mitchell para niños
